Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Vaibhav Patil, AK Baswal, Vishavjeet Jakhar and Akshay Parab

Abstract:
Nowadays fruits and vegetables are extremely demanded within the market owning to their nutritionary worth. Fruits and vegetables have short shelf life due to their perishable nature. About 30% of fruits and vegetables are affected or damaged by insects, microorganisms, pre and post-harvesting conditions throughout transport and preservation. The edible coating is an efficient method to resolve this problem. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Methylcellulose (MC) are principally accustomed to increasing fruit gloss and extending the shelf life of horticultural crops. HPMC and MC delay ripening, decrease the rate of respiration, have barrier properties, and are environment friendly. Application of the semipermeable edible coating like HPMC and MC reduces moisture loss which increases the storage life of the horticultural commodity and reduces postharvest decay of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental. This review article explains HPMC and MC application for maintaining the post-harvest life of horticultural crops.