INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES OF POST-HARVEST PROCESSING OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

Purpose. To analyze the current use of edible coatings for post-harvest processing of vegetables and fruits aimed at reducing losses and maintaining quality during storage. Results. Analysis of recent Ukrainian and foreign scientific and patent literature showed that the main advantages of coatings were based on such features as cost, availability, functionality, mechanical properties, optical properties, barrier capacity against gas flow, structural resistance to water and microorganisms, and sensory acceptability. They are used in combinations with bioactive compounds that confer additional functions on foods and extend their shelf lives. Conclusion. Transpirable coatings of fruits and vegetables slow down the post-harvest ripening processes in fresh products, preventing their further degradation and rotting. They are easier to use in packaging plants, require less investment and even outperform state-of-the-art packaging such as modified atmosphere packaging. Such protection mostly does not entail toxicological problems. Such coatings facilitate manufacturing and transport companies' work. Crops can stay in the field longer, continue to ripen, and can be harvested later because the risk of rot during transport and retail is reduced. In this way, the waste amount throughout agricultural production in general is decreased.