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Abstract
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In this study, we successfully prepared active flms and coatings based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) either alone or added oregano (OEO) and rosemary essential oils (REO) (0.5 and 1%) to improve the post-harvest quality of fresh strawberries over 15 days of storage at 4 °C. The mechanical, water barrier and optical properties of flms were tested. Also, the physicochemical, sensorial and microbial properties of strawberries coated with diferent flm forming solutions (FFS) were studied during storage time. The flms were less rigid and more stretchable after the addition of both EOs into the flm matrix. The water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and brightness of flms were decreased after the incorporation of both EOs. Coated strawberries with CMC-based coatings embedded OEO and REO indicated lower weight loss, better preservation of frmness, sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and total phenolic compounds. Moreover, a complete inhibition of microbial growth was observed in coated strawberries containing OEO, and REO. The sensory evaluation showed a high acceptance of coated strawberries compared to the control. As a result, these coatings can efectively improve the quality of strawberries during storage and are a good choice for coating fruits due to their transparent and shiny appearance with superior antimicrobial properties
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