Vol. 11, Special Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Vivek Kumar Tiwari, Vivek Chandra Verma, Khushboo, Avantika, Kaushal Kumar, Thupstan Tsewang, Anshu Verma, Tsewang Norbu and Somen Acharya

Abstract:
Postharvest practices of vegetables and fruits through green technology show salient health benefits. Edible coating is widely accepted post-harvest approach for increasing the shelf life of perishable crops. Application of edible coatings augments shelf life, market value and quality of harvested vegetables and fruits. It does not have any residual effect hence making the horticultural commodities easily consumable without any adverse effect on human body. It responds positively on physical (Moisture retention, glossiness, appearance, firmness), physiological (Respiration rate, ethylene evolution rate) and biochemical attributes (Cell wall degrading enzymes) of commodities grown by agricultural practices. Factors affecting shelf life of fruits and vegetables and how edible coatings help to enhance shelf life, quality and market value of harvested vegetables and fruits are discussed in details in the present review article.