Chilli (Capsicum annuum L., family Solanaceae) is considered as
one of the most important commercial spice crops and is a widely
used universal spice. Chilli, like all other agricultural commodities,
invariably has a high moisture content (60–85%) at the time of harvest,
which must be brought down to 8-12% Nevertheless,
it is a highly perishable vegetable with a short shelf-life
and high susceptibility to fungal diseases, and commonly encountered
postharvest problems, such as quality degradation, chilling
injury when stored below 7 ◦C and shrivelling associated with rapid
loss of weight (Xing et al., 2011).
Edible coatings extend the postharvest shelf-life of fresh fruit
and vegetables. They improve the mechanical handling properties
or structural integrity of fresh commodities and provide an effective
barrier to respiratory gases and water vapour.