Edible Coatings: A Novel Approach to Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables

The rapid deterioration of fruits and vegetables during pre- and post-harvest conditions leads to significant post-harvest losses, affecting both quality and shelf life. Edible coatings have emerged as an effective solution to mitigate these issues, providing a protective layer that can be safely consumed as part of the food. Recently, there has been growing interest in using herbal extracts such as lemongrass, oregano, Aloe vera, Tulsi, mint, neem, cinnamon, and clove for edible coatings due to their beneficial properties. These herbal-based coatings have been shown to prevent water loss, control the ripening process and respiration rate, delay oxidative browning, and reduce microbial growth in various fruits and vegetables, including grapes, papaya, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, and mangoes. Research indicates that these herbal edible coatings can extend the storage time of fresh produce to 15-35 days at low temperatures, compared to the 8-10 days for uncoated produce. The use of herbal extracts in edible coatings is a promising alternative to post-harvest chemical treatments, offering an innovative approach for commercial application. Edible coatings not only extend the post-harvest life of fresh produce but also improve food appearance and safety due to their environmentally friendly nature. They can be derived from animal or vegetable sources and may consist of proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, resins, or combinations thereof. Acting as barriers to moisture and gases, these coatings reduce food deterioration and enhance safety, often incorporating antimicrobial compounds. The advantages of edible coatings include reduced packaging waste, extended shelf life, and protection from environmental effects while maintaining the transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, aroma, and taste. Given the high market demand for nutritious fruits and vegetables and their perishable nature, edible coatings present an effective method to address post-harvest challenges, benefiting both consumers and the environment. This review discusses the components, benefits, and application techniques of edible coatings, focusing on their potential to enhance the shelf life and quality of fresh produce.