Question

Apples coated with carbon methyl chitosan remains fresh for
A. 1 month
B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 1 year and 6 months

Answer 1

Hint: The apples are coated with shellac or carnauba wax to add shine and improve their look. A coating of wax will help seal the moisture, therefore extending the life of the fruit.

Complete Answer:
- Carbon Methyl Chitosan is an apple wax coat on apples. Fruit waxing is the process of covering fruits (and, in some cases, vegetables) with artificial waxing material like carbon methyl chitosan.
- Natural wax is removed first, usually by washing, followed be a coating of a biological or petroleum derived wax. Potentially allergenic proteins (peanut, soy, dairy, wheat) may be combined with shellac.
- The primary reasons for waxing are to prevent water loss and thus retard shrinkage and spoilage, and to improve appearance.
- Carboxymethyl Chitosan is the wax-like structure present on the apples like a coating structure. This wax coating is very important in apples because this coating maintains the freshness of the apple for a long time and is about 6 to 8 months.

Thus, the correct option is B. i.e. 6 months.

Note: Both petroleum-based waxes (usually proprietary formulae) and natural waxes (carnauba, shellac, or resin) are utilized, and often more than one wax is used to produce the desired properties for the fruit or vegetable being treated. Wax may be used in a volatile petroleum containing solvent but is most usually used by a water based emulsion. Mixed paraffin waxes used as paste is more applied on vegetables.