Evaluation of seaweed extracts functionality as post-harvest treatment for minimally processed Fuji apples

This study shows the advantages of using a novel post-harvest treatment based in edible seaweed extracts to preserve fresh-cut fruits, in particular Fuji apple. The results show clearly that this type of dipping treatment decreases browning index and inhibits enzymatic activities when compared with citric acid and control treatment (water). Codium tomentosum extract solution showed the highest efficacy, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive to be a substitute of chemicals used in food industry and its use has been restricted. This process is efficient, versatile and of simple implementation at the industrial level once the only change in the industrial process consists in the type of post-harvest solution treatment. Associated to the easy adaptation in the industrial process, the exponential development in aquaculture sector allows the obtention of this raw material in a sustained way. Extract functionality was attributed to its demarked inhibitory action on enzymatic activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, two major enzymes involved in enzymatic browning processes.