Speaker
Description
Abstract
The continuous growth of the global population has increased the demand for nutritionally rich fruits and vegetables, while concerns related to post-harvest quality and safety have heightened. As fresh fruits are a highly perishable commodity, the development of natural and sustainable techniques to retain quality attributes and extend shelf life has become a major focus in food science research. The study was conducted to develop and evaluate an herbal bio-coating using Aloe vera gel, Tulsi extract, and lemongrass essential oil for post-harvest preservation of climacteric fruits. The herbal components were prepared individually and formulated with food-grade glycerol, lecithin, and xanthan gum to obtain a stable and uniform bio-coating solution. Mango, banana, and avocado fruits of uniform maturity and defect-free were coated using the dipping method and stored under ambient conditions. Post-harvest 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 analysis results of fruits demonstrated that the herbal bio-coating significantly improved post-harvest 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, indicating slower metabolic activity. Improved moisture retention, enhanced surface appearance, and reduced shrivelling were observed in all coated fruits. In addition, microbial spoilage was noticeably lower in coated samples, particularly during extended storage. Overall, the Ayurvedic-based herbal bio-coating effectively enhanced post-harvest quality and extended the shelf life of fruits and highlighting the potential of integrating traditional herbal knowledge with modern post-harvest technology as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives.
KEY WORDS: Aloe vera, Ayurvedic principles, Herbal bio-coating, Post-harvest, Tulsi.
