Arnon, H., Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
Granit, R., Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Porat, R., Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Poverenov, E., Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel

Biodegradable coatings for citrus fruits that would replace the currently used polyethylene-based waxes, are of great interest. Methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CH) coatings were examined on the most sensitive citrus fruit model: mandarins. Among the examined polysaccharides, CMC provided mandarins with the best firmness, lowest weight loss and satisfying gloss, while not affecting natural flavour and the respiration process. To enhance coating performance, glycerol, oleic acid and stearic acid were added; however, mandarin quality generally deteriorated with these additives. Then, a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach was applied. LbL coatings, based on a combination of two polysaccharides, CMC as an internal layer and chitosan as an external layer, gave the best performance. Different concentrations of chitosan were examined. The LbL coatings notably improved all quantified parameters of fruit quality, proving that polysaccharide-based edible coating may offer an alternative to synthetic waxes. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.