Improving postharvest attributes of Cucumber (Negin cultivar) using Combination of Aloe Vera-Limonene Coating and MAP

Aloe vera-limonene coating in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) have been used to improve quality attributes of cucumber. Samples were coated with Aloe vera-limonene solution (10%+3% V/V) and packed with two gaseous conditions:  A (21% O2, macro-perforated), B (10% O2 + 5% CO2, active MAP); they were stored at two temperatures (20, and 4 °C). Postharvest properties of cucumber such as gas analysis, weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids, chlorophyll content, fungal growth, and organoleptic properties were determined. Interactive effects of coating, package, temperature, and storage period showed that the Aloe vera coating and the MAP significantly improved quality parameters of cucumbers. However, using active MAP at higher temperature (20°C) led to quality problems and is just feasible in shorter storage period. Combined usage of active MAP and Aloe vera-based coating on cucumber suggest an efficient procedure as an alternative of traditional ones for commercial application.