Application of Edible Coating to Fresh-cut and Minimally-processed Vegetables: A Review

Edible films and coatings based on natural ingredients attract much interest today as an efficient, safe and ecologic approach for food products’ quality and shelf-life enhancement. Edible films and coatings protect food from mechanical and microbial damage, reduce moisture and volatiles escape, inhibit biochemical deterioration processes and improve food appearance, as well as enhance the products’ nutritional value. Advanced edible films and coatings can also serve as a matrix for the delivery of active agents such as natural antimicrobials, nutraceuticals, antibrowning agents and natural flavor and aroma compounds. For this purpose nano technology-based approaches can be exploited. The vegetables are more amenable crops for fresh-cut and minimally processed market that renders ready-to-cook produce that saves the time of today’s engaged life. The cut surface of the cut vegetables is prone to loss of weight, moisture and nutrients though packed. This review deals with the application of the edible coating to the fresh-cut and minimally-processed vegetables to serve purpose increasing shelf-life by reducing the post-harvest losses. Various methods and materials employed in the edible coating of vegetables are also discussed in this review.