Effect of Persian gum coating containing cinnamon essential oil on the shelf life of pomegranate arils

Due to the high perishability of pomegranate arils, coating will increase the shelf-life and maintain their marketability. In present research, Persian gum in 1 % (W/V) concentration along with cinnamon oil in 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 % (V/V) concentrations were used for coating pomegranate arils. Physical, chemical and sensorial tests of arils were evaluated at seven-day intervals. Total anthocyanin content decreased from first day to third week of the storage (p<0.05). Increasing storage time and essential oil concentration reduced acidity. Firmness of the arils increased from first day to third week (p<0.05). Total soluble solids and total phenol of the arils did not change noticeably in all the samples (p>0.05). Due to sensorial test, there was not any remarkable difference among the samples in respect of acceptability of taste and odour (p>0.05). Also, the coating significantly inhibited the growth of mold on the arils. Shelf life, marketability and nutritional quality of pomegranate arils can be maintained at an appropriate and significant level, by suitable coating of pomegranate arils and selecting optimum concentration of cinnamon oil or similar substances.