Significance of edible coating in mitigating postharvest losses of tomatoes in Pakistan: a review

Purpose: Tomato, being a climacteric and soft textured fruit, faces many challenges in postharvest life, and many factors influence its quality during storage. It faces price fluctuation in Pakistan due to postharvest losses. This review focuses on intensive research in recent years regarding edible coatings and films to minimize crop losses, and to maintain tomatoes quality by giving structural integrity. Findings: Tomato is a highly demanded vegetable due to its extensive uses, but its postharvest losses are ۳۳-۴۶% in developing countries. The application of edible coating is one of many methods used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes.  The edible coating acts as semipermeable barriers to gases and water vapors. It is not a new concept and dates back to the ۱۲th century. Edible coatings are made from lipids, carbohydrates, or protein-based materials, with additional additives like emulsifiers, plasticizers, release agents, and lubricants. The use of edible coating with different formulations is an effective method for extending the shelf life of fresh produce and tomatoes. Limitations: Edible coating formulations should be wet and uniformly spread on fruit surfaces, as proper adhesion, cohesion, and durability matter. Significantly less eco-friendly coatings are available compared to chemically synthesized layers. Directions for future research:  These days, many new materials are evolving as coating solutions based on their film-forming properties, and these materials can replace synthetic plastic-based films. Composite and multi-layer coatings should be developed and micro encapsulation techniques should be adopted for better results.

Keywords:

edible coating , Food Security , postharvest losses , tomatoes