Abstract: Increased stability of fruits, vegetables or fungi is achieved by coating with compositions comprising at least one polysaccharide polymer, a preservative and an acidulant. The compositions may also include at least one emulsifier, at least one plasticizer, at least one resin or rosin, at least one protein, at least one firming or sequestering agent, at least one antioxidant and at least one composition which is a plant growth regulator and/or a chilling injury protectant. Methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions, and fruits or vegetables or fungi coated with the compositions on the exterior surface are also disclosed. Fruits, vegetables or fungi, with or without a rind or peel or skin, or which have been cut or sliced can be coated with the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: Increased stability of fruits, vegetables or fungi is achieved by coating thereof with compositions comprising: at least one polysaccharide polymer, a preservative, an acidulant, lecithin (i.e. a first emulsifier) and a second emulsifier. Optionally, the compositions may also include: at least one antioxidant composition, at least one composition which is a plant growth regulator and/or a chilling injury protectant. The present invention is also drawn to methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions, and fruits or vegetables or fungi having a composition of the present invention applied to an exterior surface thereof. The instant invention may be practiced with fruits, vegetables or fungi, with or without a rind or peel or skin, or which have been cut or sliced.