Authors Yousuf, B., Qadri, O.S. and Srivastava, A.K.
Fresh-cut fruits Edible coatings Shelf-life Quality Active packaging, and intake of fruits and vegetables have been linked with various health benefits. Fruits and vegetables can be consumed either fresh or processed. Production and consumption of minimally processed foods are gaining popularity. Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are being welcomed by consumers due to the desire for new and natural products coupled with the change in lifestyle of the consumers. However, the challenge for the fresh-cut industry is to maintain the fresh-like characteristics of fresh-cut produce for a prolonged storage time, Fresh-cut produce has a much larger cut surface and consequently a much shorter shelf-life. Loss of quality parameters such as color, firmness, juiciness, flavor, and excessive moisture loss results in limited shelf-life and increased chances of rejection of the product by the consumers. Developments in packaging technology and edible coatings for foods have shown promising results in extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, the scope of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and shelf-life extension by means of coating. Application of innovative packaging techniques and novel food coatings would make it possible to meet the ever-growing consumer demands and to approach distant markets with comparatively high-quality fresh produce.
