Abstract:
The continuous growth of the global population has increased the demand for
nutritionally rich fruits and vegetables, by considering quality and safety. Fresh fruits
are highly perishable commodity, the development of natural and sustainable
techniques to retain quality attributes and extend shelf life is vital important. The study
was conducted to develop and evaluate herbal bio-coatings of Aloe vera gel, Tulsi
extract, and lemongrass essential oil for postharvest preservation of climacteric fruits.
The herbal materials were prepared individually and formulated with food-grade
glycerol, lecithin, and xanthan gum to obtain a stable and uniform bio-coating solution.
Three coating formulations (A, B, and C) with varying concentrations were developed
and evaluated. Among them, formula B exhibited superior postharvest preservation
and quality retention. Therefore, it was selected for further analysis. Mango, banana,
and avocado fruits of uniform maturity and defect-free were coated using the dipping
method and stored under ambient conditions. Postharvest quality parameters
including physical and physicochemical weight loss, firmness, colour, pH, TSS (ºBrix),
titratable acidity, water activity, moisture content, visual appearance, and microbial
spoilage were evaluated at 3-day intervals over a 15-day storage period. The results
exhibited that the herbal bio-coating significantly improved postharvest quality
compared to uncoated control fruits. Coated fruits exhibited reduced weight loss and
better firmness retention throughout the storage period. Ripening-related changes in
pH and TSS were delayed. Improved moisture retention, enhanced surface appearance,
and reduced shriveling were observed in all coated fruits. In addition, microbial
spoilage was noticeably lower in coated samples, particularly during extended storage.
Overall, the herbal bio-coating effectively enhanced postharvest quality and extended
the shelf life of fruits, and highlighting its potential in fruit preservation.
