This research was undertaken to investigate the effects of chitosan and thymol as a coating on physicochemical and qualitative properties of table grape fruits cv. ‘Bidaneh Ghermez’ during storage at 5 °C for 60 days. Changes in weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanin, total antioxidant activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), sensory attributes, and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activity of fruits were evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days storage. Based on the results, fruits treated with coatings and especially chitosan had markedly higher levels of firmness, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes, as well as the activity of GPX and CAT enzymes than the untreated fruits during cold storage. Moreover, applying coatings, especially chitosan, noticeably reduced weight loss and H2O2 and MDA levels of fruits during storage time. Therefore, applying natural coatings, especially chitosan, could be considered a promising approach to extending shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of table grape fruits during cold storage.
