Edible packaging to prolong postharvest shelf-life of fruits and vegetables: A review

Abstract

Edible packaging made from natural biomaterials is a potential substitute for non-biodegradable, non-renewable, waste-accumulating, and greenhouse gases emitting synthetic plastics packaging, which maintain food quality, and improve shelf-life. Edible coating or wrapping acts as a protective layer on fruits and vegetables (F&V), which decreases respiration, transpiration, ethylene production, microbial deterioration, and thus maintain quality and extend postharvest shelf-life of the F&V. Edible films and coatings are formulated from biopolymers, plasticizers, and additives, such as active agents particularly of natural origin. The edible films are mainly manufactured by solvent casting and extrusion methods, and are characterized for the specific application by measuring their morphological, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Dip-coating, spraying, or brushing techniques are mainly employed for edible coating on F&V. The current review work primarily discusses on fabrication of edible films and coatings, and their applications in enhancing the postharvest shelf-life of F&V.

Keywords

• Sustainable packaging
• Edible coating
• Active films
• Fruits and vegetables
• Postharvest shelf-life