Application and development of edible coatings for fruits and vegetables

The factors influencing maturation and senescence of the fruits and vegetables were discussed. The materials of edible coatings and the methods of coating were analyzed. A great many of the researches indicated that edible coating could prolong the storage life of the fruits and vegetables availably. However, there were so many influencing factors that edible coatings are not employed widely in industry. According to the bionics, analyzing and imitating the surface morphometrics and cuticular components of the fruits would perfect the edible coatings. This offers a new method to study the edible coatings. Meanwhile, edible coatings provided a carrier of some biologic active substances, which can be used to delay or slow ripening and a modification of the quality. These active packages enriched the edible coatings, and will have more expansive application in the future.