Edible Composite Coatings Research Articles

Assessment of antimicrobial edible coatings derived from coffee husk pectin and clove oil for extending grapes shelf life

Grapes are rich in phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant properties that mitigate risks associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, postharvest storage often leads to microbial infestations, significantly deteriorating fruit quality. This study investigated the effects of two composite edible coatings i.e., Coffee Husk Pectin-Clove Oil (CHP-CO) and Freeze-Dried Coffee Husk Pectin-Clove Oil (FD-CHP-CO) on prolonging the shelf life of grapes. Coated and uncoated grapes were evaluated for their physicochemical (weight loss, colour, pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity), bioactive compounds (total phenolics and total flavonoids), in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties during 14 d of storage at ambient (RT, 25 ± 1 °C) and cold (4 ± 1 °C) storage conditions. Coated grapes maintained better quality compared to uncoated grapes, with FD-CHP-CO reducing weight loss by up to 76 % at ambient conditions (0.92 ± 0.26 % vs. 3.89 ± 1.63 % in uncoated grapes). The FD-CHP-CO coating also resulted in a significant inhibition zone increase against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 from 11 to 15 mm. Additionally, the coated grapes showed higher retention of bioactive compounds, with total phenolics and total flavonoids retention of 86.9 % and 83.7 %, respectively. These results suggest that CHP-CO and FD-CHP-CO coatings effectively extend the shelf life of grapes, maintaining their quality and safety during storage, and highlight the potential of these coatings in reducing food waste and improving consumer satisfaction.Graphical

Effect of pullulan and pullulan-chitosan composite coating on the antioxidant activity, texture, color and shelf-life of a local cultivar of sweet cherry

This study explored the effects of pullulan and pullulan-chitosan composite edible coatings on the post-harvest quality of sweet cherries over 20 days of storage. We evaluated weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), decay percentage, color value, texture and biochemical content, including ascorbic acid, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity and enzyme activity. The results revealed that cherries with 3 % pullulan coating presented the lowest weight loss (25 % vs 26.33 % in the control) and decay percentage (25 % vs 47 % in the control) and maintained superior texture and stability compared with those of the control and other coatings. TSS increased less in the coated cherries than in the control cherries, with 3 % pullulan-treated cherries showing the least increase, indicating slower ripening. Pullulan coatings effectively reduced color changes, with the 3 % coating delaying darkening in cherries more than the other treatments did. Additionally, the pullulan coating preserved higher levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds (TPC) and flavonoids and delayed the decrease in antioxidant activity. Notably, the 3 % pullulan-treated cherries maintained the highest antioxidant activity (88.97 %) and had the greatest TPC (2.79 mg GAE/g FW) at the end of storage. The activity of enzymes, particularly peroxidase (POD), increased less in coated cherries, highlighting the role of coatings in delaying oxidative stress. Overall, the pullulan coatings, especially at a 3 % concentration, were the most effective at extending the shelf-life and maintaining the quality of the sweet cherries. These findings suggest that the use of a pullulan-based coating is a promising approach for preserving fruit quality during storage, thereby extending shelf-life. These coatings can contribute to a reduction in food waste, improved consumer acceptability and improved economic gains by reducing postharvest losses and maintaining quality. To optimize pullulan-based coatings for commercial application, future research can focus on optimizing the formulation, consumer acceptability and scalability. Moreover, field trials to assess the effectiveness of these coatings in preserving the quality of cherry can be performed. By addressing these areas, future research can contribute to the development of sustainable options for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of sweet cherries and other fruits.

The effect of composite edible coatings on the postharvest quality of “Hass” avocado fruit treated at different harvest maturities

Edible coatings play a critical role in reducing postharvest losses during storage and supply chain of horticultural commodities. The present study evaluated the efficacy of different concentrations of moringa leaf extract (MLE) combined with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible coating in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of “Hass” avocado. Fruit were harvested at different stages of maturity and evaluated by dry matter content. Different concentrations of moringa (8 and 16%) extracted with chilled ethanol (100%) and functionalized with CMC (5%), were used to treat the fruit. Treated fruit were then stored at 5.5 ± 1°C and 90 ± 5% RH for 28 days plus an additional 7 days at 23°C. The changes in physicochemical and biochemical fruit attributes were evaluated at weekly intervals. The application of moringa and CMC-based edible coatings preserved the phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of “Hass” avocado. The treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the loss of weight and firmness. Furthermore, treated fruits were found to have a delayed color change and reduction in sugar concentration, particularly mannoheptulose, compared to the control treatment. Therefore, edible coatings prepared by combining CMC and MLE could be the best alternative for substituting the currently used health-compromising synthetic chemicals.

Development of Functional Composite Edible Films or Coatings for Fruits Preservation with Addition of Pomace Oil-Based Nanoemulsion for Enhanced Barrier Properties and Caffeine for Enhanced Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of this study was to develop functional composite edible films or coatings for fruit preservation by the addition of bioactive components in combinations that have not yet been thoroughly studied, according to the relevant literature. Edible films were initially composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5% ratio), and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5% ratio). The bioactive components incorporated (5, 10 and 15% v/v) were as follows: (i) pomace oil-based nanoemulsion (NE) aiming to enhance barrier properties, and (ii) caffeine (C), aiming to enhance the antioxidant activity of films, respectively. Indeed, NE addition led to very high barrier properties (low oxygen and water vapor permeability), increased flexibility and reduced color. Furthermore, the contribution of these coatings to fresh strawberries' preservation under cold storage was investigated, with very promising results concerning weight loss, color difference, and preservation of fruit moisture and quantity of O2 and CO2 inside the packages. Additionally, C addition led to very high antioxidant activity, reduced color and improved barrier properties. Finally, the contribution of these coatings to avocado's preservation under cold storage was investigated, with very encouraging results for color difference, hardness and peroxide value of the fruit samples.

Evaluating the effects of chitosan incorporated with seabuckthorn leaf extract composite edible coatings on the shelf life of peach (Prunus persica L.) fruits

Peaches are highly nutritious and delicious fruits with a limited shelf life. The present study was aimed to test the efficiency of chitosan (CHI) coatings incorporated with seabuckthorn leaf extract (ST) in extending the shelf life of peach fruits at refrigerated temperature. Peach fruits of ‘Elberta’ cultivar were coated with one of the following treatment combinations: distilled water (control), CHI (1.0%), CHI (1%) + ST (0.5%), CHI (1%) + ST (1.0%), CHI (1%) + ST (1.5%) and CHI (1%) + ST (2.0%) and then stored at 4 °C for 25 days. The combined treatment of CHI and ST showed a synergistic effect in significantly decreasing the skin browning and maintaining the firmness during the storage period, corroborated by the decline in the polyphenol oxidase, cellulase and pectinase enzyme activity. In particular, fruits treated with CHI (1%) + ST (1.5%) and CHI (1%) + ST (2.0%) showed maximum efficiency in retaining the physico-chemical attributes, increasing the antioxidant potential and controlling the browning during post harvest period upto 25 days under refrigerated temperature at 4 °C. Furthermore, besides maintaining the quality parameters, the treated fruits showed a significant reduction in microbial spoilage and maintaining the acceptable sensory attributes. Therefore, the study employing the incorporation of Seabuckthorn leaf extract into chitosan edible coating could be a valuable addition and promising approach to different existing preservation techniques towards extending the shelf life of peach fruits.

Composite edible coatings can extend shelf-life and maintain postharvest qualities of guava under natural storage

Composite edible coatings can extend shelf-life and maintain postharvest qualities of guava under natural storage

Effect of composite edible coatings and modified atmospheric packaging on physical quality characteristics of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Umran

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is an indigenous and economically important tropical fruit which is also known as Indian jujube, and belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. The major constraint for the market glut is the shelf life of ber fruit which is only 4 to 5 days. Due to the short shelf life of ber fruit, there is a need for proper preservation methods to enhance the shelf life. Methods to increase its shelf life by applying different surface coating treatments were developed to regulate the market for fresh fruit. Evaluation of a composite edible coating made of Aloe vera gel was scheduled along with modified atmospheric packaging to enhance the shelf life and maintain the quality of the ber cv. Umran. The physical characteristics of fruits were analyzed and recorded at four days intervals when kept at ambient conditions of 22-25 °C. The study revealed that during 16 days Aloe vera gel coatings proved beneficial in preserving the quality of ber fruit stored in modified polyethylene bags. The lowest Physiological loss in weight (PLW) %, percent decay, and shrinkage while the highest holding in weight and diameter of fruits were found in Aloe vera gel (75%) coatings integrated with 1% ascorbic acid and 1% citric acid as an antioxidant. According to the findings, it is concluded that Aloe vera gel based edible coatings incorporated with 1% ascorbic acid, duly packed in polyethylene bags and kept at ambient conditions were proved to best combinations and could be used to maintain the quality of ber fruits until 16 days.

Development of hyaluronic acid based polysaccharide-protein composite edible coatings for preservation of strawberry fruit

With the growing demand for extending the shelf-life of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables, there is continued interest towards the development of edible coatings derived from natural sources. To avoid rapid dissolution, water insoluble polysaccharide such as chitosan has been widely explored. In this work, we developed robust hyaluronic acid-based edible polysaccharide-protein coatings by combining it (hyaluronic acid) with chitosan and gelatin to introduce additional antioxidant properties. This work is the first example of using hyaluronic acid in edible coatings for fruit preservation. The effect of developed edible composite coatings on the quality of coated strawberries was investigated over a 15 day storage period with 3-day examination intervals. The obtained results revealed hyaluronic acid dose-dependent improvement in intrinsic properties of coated strawberries including weight loss, pH, titratable acidity (TA) and total solids content (TSS). Furthermore, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid significantly enhanced the antioxidant properties of developed edible coatings as measured using total phenolic content, change in ascorbic acid content and DPPH assay prolonging the shelf-life of coated strawberries.

Addition of Silver Nanoparticles to Composite Edible Films and Coatings to Enhance Their Antimicrobial Activity and Application to Cherry Preservation.

The aim of this study was to examine the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of edible films, composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%) and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5%), with silver nanoparticle (AgNP) incorporationat levels 5, 10 and 15% v/v. According to the results, the AgNP addition led to very high antimicrobial activity of both films, reducing by more than 96% the microbial growth of the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) in all cases. On the other hand, by adding AgNPs to films, their thickness as well as oxygen and water vapor permeability decreased, while their transparency increased. Furthermore, the contribution of these specific edible films to preserve cherries under cold storage was investigated. All edible coatings resulted in an improvement of the fruit properties under consideration, and especially the color difference, hardness and total microbial load.

Mechanical and Surface Properties of Edible Coatings Elaborated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides.

Edible composite coatings (ECC) formulated from biopolymers that incorporate antioxidant molecules represent an innovative alternative to improve food texture and provide health benefits. Tannins have aroused great interest due to their ability to stabilize suspensions and counteract the effects of free radicals. The mechanical and surface properties are crucial to establishing its quality and applicability. In this study, the objective was to analyze the mechanical and surface properties of ECC made with nanoliposomes that encapsulate grape seed tannins (TLS) and polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and kappa carrageenan (KCG) for their future direct application in foods susceptible to oxidation. The inclusion of HPMC or KCG affected the density, showing values in the range of 1010 to 1050 [kg/m3], evidencing significant changes (p < 0.05) in the surface tension in the TLS/FS-HPMC and TLS/FS mixtures. KCG and in the dispersion coefficients, with values in the range of -2.9 to -17.6 [mN/m] in HPS (S1) and -17.6 to -40.9 [mN/m] in PDMS (S2). The TLS/FS-HPMC coating showed higher stiffness and elastic recovery capacity than the TLS/FS-KCG coating, suggesting that the presence of TLS influenced the stiffness of the polymer. HPMC is recommended as a suitable polymer for coating solids, while KCG is more appropriate for suspensions. These findings provide valuable information for directly applying these ECC compounds to food products, potentially offering better preservation and health benefits.

Postharvest Application of Novel Bio-Based Antifungal Composite Edible Coatings to Reduce Sour Rot and Quality Losses of ‘Valencia’ Oranges

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, can produce significant postharvest losses of citrus fruits and, currently, cannot be effectively controlled by the postharvest fungicides registered in EU countries. Therefore, novel antifungal edible coatings (ECs) based on citrus pectin and beeswax and enriched with eugenol (EG), geraniol (GR), propolis extract (PR) or essential oils (EOs) from Satureja montana (SA), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CI), or Commiphora myrrha (CM), were developed as alternatives to reduce sour rot and preserve the postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges. These natural agents were incorporated into the EC formulation and then applied to inoculated oranges. ECs enriched with EG (2–8 g/kg), GR (4 and 8 g/kg), PR (5–20 g/kg), and CM EO (15 g/kg) reduced disease incidence and severity by 75 to 100% compared to uncoated oranges after 20 days of incubation at 20 °C. ECs containing EG (8 g/kg), GR (4 g/kg), and PR (20 g/kg) reduced weight loss and retained firmness of oranges after 14 days of shelf life at 20 °C. Furthermore, all tested ECs maintained the fruit’s sensory and physicochemical quality. Overall, the EG-enriched pectin EC performed best, showing potential as a safe, bio-based alternative to conventional waxes containing synthetic fungicides for the management of citrus postharvest sour rot.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Gum Arabic Composite Edible Coatings Amended with Geraniol to Control Postharvest Brown Rot and Maintain Quality of Cold-Stored Plums.

In this study, the effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and gum Arabic (GA) edible coatings amended with 0.2% geraniol (GE) were evaluated for the control of brown rot, caused by Monilinia fructicola, on artificially inoculated plums (Prunus salicina Lindl., cv. Angeleno) stored for 5 weeks at 1 °C. Brown rot is the most important pre- and postharvest fungal disease of stone fruits, causing severe economic losses worldwide. Geraniol is an important constituent of many essential oils that can be obtained as a byproduct from different industrial procedures, such as those of the juice industry. Fruit postharvest quality was also evaluated after 5 and 8 weeks of storage at 1 °C, followed by 3 days at 7 °C plus 5 days at 20 °C, simulating packinghouse, transport, and retail shelf-life conditions, respectively. HPMC coatings containing 0.2% GE reduced the incidence and severity of brown rot by 37.5 and 64.8%, respectively, compared to uncoated fruit after 5 weeks of storage at 1 °C. HPMC-coated plums, with and without GE, showed the highest level of firmness, the lowest change in external peel color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, hue), and the lowest flesh bleeding compared to uncoated control and GA-coated samples throughout the entire storage period, which correlated with a higher gas barrier of these coatings without negatively affecting sensory quality. Furthermore, the HPMC-0.2% GE coating provided the highest gloss to coated plums, showing the potential of this coating as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fungicides and waxes for brown rot control and quality maintenance of cold-stored plums.

Characterization of Aloe Vera Gel-Based Edible Coating with Orange Peel Essential Oil and Its Preservation Effects on Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

In the present study, the effects of orange peel essential oils (EOs) on the physiochemical, rheological, particle size and zeta potential distribution of the developed aloe vera gel-based edible coating were investigated. We also investigated the effects of prepared aloe vera gel-based edible coating (with or without incorporation of orange peel essential oil) on the postharvest shelf life and characteristics such as physiological loss of weight (PLW), color, respiration rate, firmness, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) at 4 °C during 16 days of storage. The results revealed that the 50% concentration of aloe vera gel-based edible coating without addition of essential oil had significantly superior properties with higher stability zeta potential (− 9.7 mV) as compared to other concentrations of aloe vera gel-based formulation. It also showed the highest potential to maintain the postharvest quality attributes of mushrooms throughout storage. The maximum concentration of orange peel essential oil (1500 µL/L) incorporated in the 50% aloe vera gel (F3)-based treatment significantly improved the postharvest quality attributes of mushrooms as compared to coating prepared with incorporation of 500 µL/L and 1000 µL/L concentration of EOs (orange peel essential oils) and helped extend the shelf life of mushrooms up to 4 days as compared to the control (50% AV (aloe vera gel) only). Further research should be performed to develop water and gas barrier composite edible coatings to further extend mushroom shelf life.

Effect of Composite Edible Coatings Combined with Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Storage Quality and Microbiological Properties of Fresh-Cut Pineapple

This study investigated the effect of edible coating (EC), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and edible coating + modified atmosphere packaging (EC + MAP) treatments on the quality of fresh-cut pineapples during storage at 4 °C. The quality differences were analyzed by measuring the quality, physiological indicators, and total microbial counts. After 8 d of storage, the brightness (L*) values of the EC + MAP and control samples were 72.76 and 60.83, respectively. The water loss and respiratory rate of the EC + MAP were significantly inhibited from 0% and 29.33 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1 to 4.13% and 43.84 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1, respectively. Furthermore, the fresh-cut pineapples treated with EC + MAP presented a good appearance, with lower total soluble solids (TSS) and relative conductivity and higher titratable acid (TA), ascorbic acid (AA), total phenol content, and firmness compared to the other treatment groups. At the end of storage, the EC + MAP samples exhibited the lowest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 28.53 U, 60.37 U, and 1.47 nmol·g-1, respectively. Furthermore, the efficiency of EC + MAP treatment exceeded that of EC or MAP alone, preventing key problems involving the surface browning and microbiological safety of the fresh-cut pineapples. The results showed that EC + MAP treatment was more successful in maintaining the storage quality and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut pineapples.

Essential oils and natural plant extracts as antifungal ingredients of pectin-based edible composite coatings to control green mold and maintain postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges

Essential oils and natural plant extracts as antifungal ingredients of pectin-based edible composite coatings to control green mold and maintain postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges

Contribution of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to the Composite Edible Films and Coatings Properties

Contribution of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to the Composite Edible Films and Coatings Properties

Effectiveness Comparison of Polysaccharides, Proteins, and Lipids as Composite Edible Coatings on the Quality of Food Products

Background: This research was motivated by the complaints of tomato farmers about their crops that quickly rotted before being sold, as well as the many research results (raw materials and methods) that edible coating films could not be applied optimally. Objectives: The research was a practical recommendation by comparing the effectiveness of raw materials (polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids) with the dipping and spray methods. Materials and methods used in the comparison process were the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. Results: Dipping has a strong effect (f2 ≥ 0.35; p&lt;0.05), while spray had a moderate effect (f2: 0.15-0.35; p&lt;0.05). Thus, the role of dipping as a mediator was more dominant than spray. Compared to proteins and lipids, polysaccharides had the best effectiveness (β:0.460-0.584; f2: 0.15-0.35; p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: the three ingredients improved the quality of tomatoes, and the dipping method was easier to apply by farmers than the spray method, which had many obstacles in its application.

Impact of a Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coating Incorporated with an Ethanolic Propolis Extract on the Quality Criteria of Chicken Breast Meat.

Recently, the demand for composite edible coatings has increased significantly as a new trend to confront the serious processing and storage problems that always arise regarding chicken meat. We aim to develop a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating containing various concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%) of an ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of chicken breast meat stored at 2 °C for 16 days. The influence of the CMC and EPE coating on the physicochemical and microbiological quality parameters of chicken breast meat, e.g., pH, color, metmyoglobin (MetMb), lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TBARS), and microbiological and sensory analyses, was studied. Significantly lower weight loss and pH (p ≤ 0.05) were noted in the coated samples compared with the uncoated samples (control) over the storage period. MetMb content was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in the coated samples compared to the control. Additionally, the addition of EPE to CMC was more effective in inhibiting microbial growth, preventing lipid oxidation, and keeping the overall acceptability of coated chicken breast meat compared to the control. This work presents CMC and EPE as alternative preservatives to produce active packaging coatings.

Natural Pectin-Based Edible Composite Coatings with Antifungal Properties to Control Green Mold and Reduce Losses of 'Valencia' Oranges.

Novel pectin-based, antifungal, edible coatings (ECs) were formulated by the addition of natural extracts or essential oils (EOs), and their ability to control green mold (GM), caused by Penicillium digitatum, and preserve postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges was evaluated. Satureja montana, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CN), Commiphora myrrha (MY) EOs, eugenol (EU), geraniol (GE), vanillin, and propolis extract were selected as the most effective antifungal agents against P. digitatum in in vitro assays. Pectin-beeswax edible coatings amended with these antifungals were applied to artificially inoculated oranges to evaluate GM control. ECs containing GE (2 g/kg), EU (4 and 8 g/kg), and MY EO (15 g/kg) reduced disease incidence by up to 58% after 8 days of incubation at 20 °C, while CN (8 g/kg) effectively reduced disease severity. Moreover, ECs formulated with EU (8 g/kg) and GE (2 g/kg) were the most effective on artificially inoculated cold-stored oranges, with GM incidence reductions of 56 and 48% after 4 weeks at 5 °C. Furthermore, ECs containing EU and MY reduced weight loss and maintained sensory and physicochemical quality after 8 weeks at 5 °C followed by 7 days at 20 °C. Overall, ECs with EU were the most promising and could be a good natural, safe, and eco-friendly commercial treatment for preserving orange postharvest quality.

Effect of Chitosan-24-Epibrassinolide Composite Coating on the Quality Attributes of Late-Harvested Pomegranate Fruit under Simulated Commercial Storage Conditions.

This study evaluated the efficacy of chitosan (CH) functionalized with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) coating in terms of preserving the postharvest quality of late-harvested pomegranate (cv. Wonderful) fruit. Late-harvested pomegranate fruit were immersed for 3 min in different surface treatment solutions—CH 1.5% (w/v), CH + 2 µM EBR, CH + 5 µM EBR, CH + 10 µM EBR and CH + 15 µM EBR—and distilled water was used as a control treatment. The fruit were air-dried and subjected to long storage duration at 5 °C with 85 ± 5 RH for 12 weeks. At 4-week sampling intervals, a batch of fruits was placed at 21 ± 2 °C and 65–70% RH for a further 3 d period to simulate retail conditions before measurements were taken. Fruit physiological responses, physico-chemical properties, phytochemical contents, antioxidant capacity and physiological disorders were monitored during storage. The results showed that the CH-EBR composite edible coatings significantly (p < 0.05) delayed degradative processes due to senescence. The CH-EBR treatments delayed colour, texture and total soluble solids (TSS) degradation and reduced weight loss, respiration, electrolyte leakage and spoilage compared to the control and CH treatment. The treatment effect was more noticeable on fruit treated with CH + 10 µM EBR, which exhibited lower weight loss (18.19%), respiration rate (7.72 mL CO2 kg−1 h−1), electrolyte leakage (27.54%) and decay (12.5%), and maintained higher texture (10.8 N) and TSS (17.67 °Brix) compared to the untreated fruit with respective values of 24.32%, 18.06 mL CO2 kg−1 h−1, 43.15%, 37.5%, 8.32 N and 17.03 °Brix. This was largely attributed to the significantly higher antioxidant content, including the ascorbic acid content, total phenol content, total anthocyanin content and DPPH (radical scavenging activity), of the coated fruit compared to the control fruit. Therefore, CH + 10 µM EBR treatment is recommended as a postharvest management strategy to improve the quality preservation of late-harvested pomegranate fruit during storage.