Recently, there is increasing use of edible and biodegradable films and packaging that are both environmentally friendly and functional for storage and market distribution. Fresh-cut ‘Fuji’ apples, harvested in an organic farm, were treated, using a spraying technique, with three new edible coatings based on Aloe vera gel (AVG—40% v/w) and in combination with natural additives: lemon essential oil (LEO—1% v/w) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC—0.1% v/w) and compared with untreated sample (CTR), the physicochemical and sensory characteristics and the proximate compounds were evaluated. During cold storage, weight loss, soluble solids content, and color of uncoated slices were reduced, while softening, ripening, browning, and acidity were accelerated. In contrast, the AVG/HPMC treatment significantly delayed the above parameters related to post-harvest quality loss, while the AVG/LEO treatment delayed the browning processes, maintaining an excellent color during cold storage. Concerning proximate compounds, the treatments did not alter their concentration in the fruit tissues. Sensory analyses revealed no detrimental effect on taste, aroma, or flavor. Our data evidenced the positive effect of Aloe vera gel in combination with LEO and HPMC on fresh-cut apple quality as an innovative and sustainable technique to maintain fresh-cut apple quality.

In recent years, the market for minimally processed fruit has increased. Fresh-cut fruits are characterized by a short shelf life due to the processing phases that accelerate the ripening courses. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect on the quality of fresh-cut Hayward kiwis of three different edible coatings based on (1) Aloe vera gel, (2) Aloe vera gel + hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and (3) Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil. Fruit firmness, weight loss, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, microbial load and sensory analysis were evaluated as fresh after 2, 4, 7 and 10 days. Aloe vera gel and Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil maintained the best values, as they acted as a barrier to gas exchange and further reduced the microbial load. These results were confirmed by sensory analysis: Aloe vera gel + hydroxypropyl methylcellulose does not alter the natural taste of kiwi slices, Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil gives the characteristic taste of lemon essential oil and Aloe vera gel gives an herbaceous taste. The Aloe vera gel, in combination with these additives, maintains the ability to preserve the quality of fresh-cut kiwifruit.