METHOD OF COATING FOOD PRODUCTS AND A COATING COMPOSITION

摘要

A virgin chitosan polymer is added to an acid and water solution in an amount sufficient to form an edible composition having a solids content greater than five percent (5 %). The composition is applied to food products, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, to provide an edible protective coating for the food products. Alternatively, chitosan may be hydrolyzed to a lower molecular weight so that a gel will not be formed when the partially hydrolyzed chitosan is admixed with the acid water solution. An edible wax emulsion and/or preservative may be added to the composition before it is applied to the food products. In a preferred form, a chitosan polymer is used having a molecular weight sufficient to form a composition having a solids content of about fifteen percent (15 %) or higher.