Effect of rapeseed protein-gelatin film containing grapefruit seed extract on ‘Maehyang' strawberry quality

To develop a packaging film for ‘Maehyang' strawberries, an edible film containing antimicrobial grapefruit seed extract (GSE) was manufactured. Addition of GSE to the rapeseed protein-gelatin (RG) film inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Packaging of ‘Maehyang' strawberries with the RG film containing 1.0% GSE decreased the populations of total aerobic bacteria and of yeast and moulds in the strawberries by 1.03 and 1.34 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively, after 14 days of storage, compared to that of the control. Sensory evaluation of the GSE-RG film-packaged strawberries produced better sensory scores than did the control. These results suggest that RG film containing GSE can be used to package strawberries and to extend shelf life.