ALICANTE, Spain, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Researchers in Alicante, Spain, say they've developed an aloe vera coating designed to prolong the freshness and safety of fruits and vegetables.
Aloe vera gel is best known for its therapeutic effect on burned or irritated skin. The Spanish researchers say they developed a gel from the tropical plant that can be used as an edible coating to protect fresh produce.
The gel, which does not appear to affect food taste or appearance, shows promise as a safe, natural and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic preservatives that are applied to produce after harvesting.
Although a number of edible coatings have been developed to preserve food freshness, the new coating is believed the first to use aloe vera, said study leader Daniel Valero of the University of Miguel Hernández in Alicante.
The study will be detailed in the Oct. 5 print issue of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
