Scientists test a natural way to slow tomato ripening

Scientists from Colombian academic institutions have tested a new edible coating that could help cherry tomatoes stay fresh longer after harvest, with the results published in the peer-reviewed journal Coatings (MDPI). The researchers developed a coating using gellan gum, a food-grade gelling agent, combined with lemon peel extract, which contains natural antioxidant compounds. The coating was applied to ripe cherry tomatoes and evaluated against uncoated fruit stored under controlled room-temperature conditions.

Over 10 days, tomatoes with the gellan-lemon peel coating lost less weight, stayed firmer and had higher levels of soluble solids — a measure linked to taste — compared with uncoated fruit. The coated tomatoes also used less oxygen, produced less ethylene (a gas that speeds up ripening) and kept their red colour better. These benefits were strongest for coatings made with high-acyl gellan gum alone. Across all tests, coated fruits showed much lower decay than uncoated controls.

The results suggest that this kind of edible, plant-based coating could be a practical way to extend the shelf life of cherry tomatoes and reduce postharvest losses without refrigeration or chemical preservatives.

Measurements of ethylene production and respiration rates were central to evaluating how the coating slowed ripening and metabolic activity in the tomatoes. In postharvest research and quality control, these parameters are commonly monitored using portable gas analysis systems such as the F-900 Portable Ethylene Analyzer developed by Felix Instruments, which supports accurate, non-destructive assessment of fruit physiology during storage and shelf-life studies.

The company also offers trial access to selected instruments, allowing researchers and industry users to test performance in real working conditions before committing to a purchase. Fresh produce industry professionals interested in free instrument trials or technical consultation can send their inquiry.

Read the full study here.

source: mdpi.com

photo: felixinstruments.com