Publications

In line with global preference for high-quality food, without chemical preservatives, and an extended shelf life,there is an increased effort to develop new natural preservatives and antimicrobials. Many storage techniqueshave been developed to extend the marketing distances and holding periods for commodities after harvest. Onemethod of extending post-harvest shelf life is the use of the edible coatings. Edible coatings are thinlayers of edible material applied to the product surface in addition to, or as a replacement for naturalprotective waxy coatings and provide a barrier to moisture, oxygen and solute movement for thefood. Aloe vera is a well-known plant for its marvelous medicinal properties. Recently, researchers developed agel based on Aloe vera that prolongs the conservation of fresh fruits. This gel is tasteless, colorless and odorless.This natural product is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as sulfurdioxide. The gel operates through a combination of mechanics, forming a protective layer against theoxygen and moisture of the air and inhibiting the action of micro-organisms that cause food borne illnessesthrough its various antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Consequently, this paper reviewed Aloe veragel properties, its preparation and its use as an effective preservative to improve the safety, qualityand functionality of fresh fruits.