Edible Coatings for Postharvest Fruit and Vegetable Storage

Fresh produce, i.e., harvested fruits and vegetables, are generally considered perishable in nature owing to their high moisture content. Therefore, some efficient and sustainable postharvest approaches are considered indispensable for preserving their freshness and quality. Edible coatings are developed from certain natural or synthetic constituents (proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and/or composites) and applied on fresh produce either alone or in combination. Such coatings provide protection and preserve the produce from the harms of microbes and prompt biochemical changes occurring in the commodities during transportation and storage. The use of edible coatings has shown significant benefits in protecting the fresh commodities and increasing their possible shelf life. Currently there have been various advancements regarding the extractions, formulations, application methods and potential perspectives of different types of edible coatings in fresh produce postharvest storage. So, this chapter summarizes the current advancements made in the field of edible coatings for extending the shelf life of fresh produce along with potential future perspectives.