Internal Modified Atmospheres of Coated Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Understanding Relative Humidity Effects

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Abstract
Internal atmosphere modification in fruits and vegetables by surface film coatings depends on film permeability, coating thickness, and fruit surface coverage. Research in this area has been mostly empirical, with unpredictable results and diverse conclusions. To reduce variability, it is necessary to have a better understanding of factors that may influence the response of coatings applied to fruits. One factor is relative humidity (RH), which is known to affect the permeability of biopolymer films. By using steady‐state mathematical models as tools, we hypothesize that fruits coated with hydrophilic films will be largely influenced by the RH of storage conditions. For hydrophobic materials, RH would have less influence on coating performance.

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