LAUSR

Abstract Edible coatings have been used as a medium for the incorporation of functional compounds to maintain postharvest quality parameters of fruits. In this study, we explored the influence of 1.5 g/100 mL hydroxyethyl cellulose coatings (HEC1.5), 1.5 g/100 mL sodium alginate coatings (SA1.5), and the composite coatings of 1.0 g/100 mL HEC and 0.5 g/100 mL SA (HEC1.0/SA0.5) containing asparagus waste extraction on quality of strawberry fruit. The fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope images showed that the HEC1.0/SA0.5 coatings displayed a continuous, smooth and porous structure. The HEC1.0/SA0.5 coatings also exhibited favorable anti-fungal activity against Penicillium italicum. Furthermore, the HEC1.0/SA0.5 coatings significantly delayed color change (ΔE), reduced weight loss, and maintained total phenolic and flavonoid contents. These results indicated that the application of HEC and SA based edible coatings containing asparagus waste extract could be an effective, safe and environmentally friendly approach to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of strawberry fruit.