Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Jerusalem ArtiChoke Residue and Its Application in Blueberry Preservation

To prolong the storage period of blueberry and improve its shelf-life quality, an edible coating based on chitosan was developed, and different contents of pectin were added to the coating. In this study, Jerusalem artichoke residue was used as a source of pectin, which is a byproduct of the processing of inulin. The extracted pectin has a low cost and high quality, which is very suitable for the preservation of coating. The coating was prepared and the chemical properties of the coating were characterized by SEM, XRD, TG, and FTIR. The barrier properties of the coating were analyzed by thickness, water content, solubility, and water vapor permeability. The results showed that the pectin coating exhibited excellent performance in blueberry preservation. Following 16 days of storage, the decay and weight loss rates of blueberry treated with 0.2% pectin coating decreased by 33 and 22%, respectively. Moreover, the organic acid consumption of the coated blueberry slowed and the anthocyanins were better preserved. As a low-cost, safe, and efficient technology, the pectin chitosan composite coating has significant potential in the berries preservation industry.