Abstract: Disclosed is an edible composition for coating fresh harvest products and a harvest product coated with said composition, to a method for coating an harvest product, and to the use of the edible composition for the preparation of a post-harvest fruit or vegetable item with prolonged shelf life and/or slower weight loss compared to a fruit or vegetable item which is not coated with the composition and to the use of the edible composition for the preparation of a post-harvest cut flower with prolonged vase life when coated with the composition compared to a comparable cut flower which is not coated with the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for coating flower heads to prevent or slow down, infection of flower heads during storage and transport to final retail, and a use of the coating composition. The disclosure also relates to a flower coated with said composition. The disclosure is especially suitable for flower heads of roses and rose buds.

Abstract: Disclosed is to composition for coating fruit and a method for coating fruit, by applying post-harvest to said fruit a coating composition containing a linear homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol and a polyol spacing agent. The post-harvest fruit exhibits enhanced gloss when coated with the composition compared to a fruit item which is not coated with the composition and/or slower weight loss compared to a fruit which is not coated with the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for coating fruit to inhibit or prevent maturation and ripening of climacteric fruit during post-harvest storage and transport, a fruit item having a coating which inhibits or prevents maturation and ripening of the fruit item during post-harvest storage and transport, and a composition for coating fruit post-harvest to prevent or slow down maturation and ripening of climacteric fruit. The disclosure is in particular suitable for mangos, citrus fruit and bananas.