Effect of edible gum Arabic coating on the shelf life and quality of mangoes (Mangifera indica) during storage

This study evaluated the effect of treatment with gum Arabic edible coatings on shelf life and quality parameters of mangoes during 20 days at room temperature. Apple variety of mangoes of uniform size were obtained from small holder farms in Makueni County, Kenya and dipped in various concentrations of gum Arabic solutions [0, 10, 15 and 20% (w/v)] for 1 h, ensuring the coating solution uniformly covered the surface. Control fruits were dipped in distilled water only. The fruits were then air-dried on trays, packed in cardboard boxes and stored at room temperature (23 ± 2 °C) and normal relative humidity (45-60%). Changes in weight loss, ascorbic acid content, ß-carotene, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and pH were determined using standard methods. Gum Arabic coatings (all levels) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced weight loss, delayed increase in TSS and development of ß-carotene, while retaining ascorbic acid in the mangoes during storage compared to the controls. Gum Arabic treatments resulted into higher TA that corresponded with low pH in the mangoes compared to the control. Ripening was slower with gum Arabic treatments and a shelf life of 15 days was obtained for gum Arabic-treated mangoes compared to less than 10 days for the control. Gum Arabic coatings demonstrated gas and water vapour barrier properties, hence extending the shelf life of mangoes while maintaining quality. Gum Arabic treatment can therefore serve as an alternative preservation method for mangoes at farm and transit levels without affecting quality parameters; giving farmers more revenue and reducing post-harvest losses.

Mango Supplementation Has No Effects on Inflammatory Mediators in Obese Adults

This pilot study examined the effects of freeze-dried mango (Mangifera indica L.) supplementation on anthropometric measurements, lipid parameters, and inflammatory mediators in obese individuals. A total of 20 obese (body mass index [BMI]: 30-35 kg/m2) adults (11 men and 9 women), aged 20 to 50 years, received 10 g/d of ground freeze-dried mango pulp for 12 weeks. Anthropometrics, lipids, and inflammatory mediators were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of mango supplementation. There were no differences between baseline and final visits in inflammatory mediators, lipids, diet, physical activity, and anthropometrics. Relationships were present at baseline and final visits between adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and between leptin and fat mass. Correlations were found after 12 weeks of mango supplementation between leptin and the following variables: waist-to-height ratio, BMI, percent fat, and fat mass. Our findings demonstrate that 12-week consumption of freeze-dried mango by obese individuals has no impact on obesity-related inflammation.