Exploiting the bioactive properties of essential oils and their potential applications in food industry.

Abstract

Fruits are an abundant source of minerals and nutrients. High nutritional value and easy-to-consume property have increased its demand. In a way to fulfil this need, farmers have increased production, thus making it available for consumers in various regions. This distribution of fruits to various regions deals with many associated problems like deterioration and spoilage. In a way, the common practices that are being used are stored at low temperatures, preservation with chemicals, and many more. Recently, edible coating has emerged as a promising preservation technique to combat the above-mentioned problems. Edible coating stands for coating fruits with bioactive compounds which maintains the nutritional characteristics of fruit and also enhances the shelf life. The property of edible coating to control moisture loss, solute movement, gas exchange, and oxidation makes it most suitable to use. Preservation is uplifted by maintaining the nutritional and physicochemical properties of fruits with the effectiveness of essential oils. The essential oil contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, flavor, and probiotic properties. The utilization of essential oil in the edible coating has increased the property of coating. This review includes the process of extraction, potential benefits and applications of essential oils in food industry.