Shellac-based coatings were developed in combination with starch, EDTA and sodium alginate and were
evaluated for shelf-life extension of fresh green chillies during storage at ambient temperature (26 ± 2 ◦C,
RH 68 ± 4%) for 12 days. The developed composite coatings were found to be effective in extending
the shelf-life of chillies. The control samples showed a higher weight loss (12.35%) compared to coated
ones (5.60-6.90%). The coated samples showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher retention of ascorbic acid,
firmness and chlorophyll content, whereas, total phenolic content was found to be significantly (p < 0.05)
higher in uncoated samples after 12 days of storage. Shellac-sodium alginate based coating was found
to be the most effective in maintaining the quality of fresh green chillies during ambient storage as
compared to other coatings.