RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SO₂ RELEASING SHEETS FOR PRESERVATION OF FRESH LONGAN FRUITS

In this study, a CA (Cellulose acetate) SO2-releasing sheet was developed using environmentally friendly materials for the preservation of fresh longan fruit. Longan is known for its high nutritional content and significant economic value; however, effective postharvest preservation is critical to minimize browning, which compromises fruit quality. The SO₂-releasing CA sheet was tested under storage conditions at 10 °C, with 0.5 g of salt wrapped in gauze to both shape the sheet and control the gas release. Fresh longan fruits were stored in mesh bags inside cardboard boxes, with the CA sheet placed on top of the boxes. This setup helped inhibit polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity, thereby reducing browning and fungal growth, ultimately lowering the spoilage rate. The study successfully established appropriate storage conditions for maintaining the quality of fresh longan fruit intended for export over a one-month period.