A novel approach to extend postharvest shelf life is the use of
edible coatings of natural antimicrobial compounds (Baldwin et al.,
1995). Edible coatings create a modified atmosphere around the
fruit by providing a semi-permeable barrier to O2and CO2, thereby
reducing respiration and oxidation reaction rates (NisperosCarriedo, 1994). Lipids, proteins and polysaccharides are the
major constituents of ediblefilms and coatings, obtained from
a variety of agricultural commodities and/or wastes of the food
production industry. Polysaccharide-based coatings have been
used widely to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables
(Nisperos-Carriedo, 1994)