Influence of tomato peel fiber and moringa leaf extract bioactive coatings on the quality, shelf life, and sensory properties of fresh tomatoes

This study assessed the impact of bioactive coatings made from tomato peel fiber and moringa leaf extract on the physiological, physicochemical, shelf life, and sensory properties of fresh tomatoes during storage, with an emphasis on sustainable packaging and postharvest technology. Fresh tomatoes were coated with a bioactive solution containing tomato peel fiber and moringa leaf extract, followed by storage under ambient conditions. Quality parameters, including weight loss rate, firmness, colour change (ΔE), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid content (AAC), antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and respiration rate, were evaluated at four time points over a month. A control group of uncoated tomatoes was also analyzed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results showed that the bioactive coating significantly reduced weight loss (0.61 vs. 0.93 %/day), firmness loss (0.4 vs. 0.7 N/day), colour change (ΔE 17.20 vs. 18.90), and respiration rate (4 vs. 10.7 mL CO₂/kg·h) compared to uncoated tomatoes. Moreover, it preserved key quality attributes such as TTA, TSS, TPC, AAC, antioxidant activity, and lycopene content. Sensory evaluation revealed that the overall acceptability of coated tomatoes (76.01 %) was higher than that of uncoated tomatoes (68.04 %). In conclusion, tomato peel fiber and moringa leaf extract bioactive coatings, as natural preservatives, are effective in extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of fresh tomatoes by reducing degradation, preserving physicochemical properties, and enhancing sensory appeal. These sustainable bioactive coatings offer a promising postharvest technology solution for improving storage, reducing food waste, and advancing sustainable packaging in the tomato industry.