Evaluation of the Effects of Edible Coatings of Ocimum sanctum and Aloe vera on Jaggery Shelf Life

Background: In western Uttar Pradesh, jaggery is a widespread cottage enterprise based on agriculture, and farmers are forced to sell their product at a lesser price when it is still fresh. Therefore, it was thought to be desirable to create better storage techniques in order to extend its shelf life. Aloe vera, and Ocimum sanctum, often known as "Tulsi," are frequently utilised as antimicrobial food additives because they offer a host of other health advantages in addition to their well-known antibacterial qualities. Because the edible coatings made of these herbs provide a semi-permeable barrier to gases and water vapours, they may prolong the shelf life of jaggery by preventing degradation.

Objective: The goal of the current study was to assess the ability of edible coatings of common Indian herbs, such as tulsi and Aloe vera,, to extend the shelf life of jaggery while maintaining attributes that are equal to those of fresh jaggery, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Methodology: The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, total viable count, and antibacterial activity of tulsi-Aloe vera, coated (TAC), Ocimum sanctum, and Aloe vera, (AC) jaggery were assessed and compared with non-coated control. The physicochemical properties were ascertained using standard methodology for measurement of reducing sugars, proteins, phenols, saponins, tannin, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The antimicrobial activity was ascertained by means of the agar double diffusion method. According to established protocol, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and the reducing power assay.

Results: According to the research, there is no discernible microbiological deterioration and the edible coatings containing tulsi and Aloe vera, extend the shelf life of jaggery during storage. When compared to uncoated jaggery, coatings were efficient at preventing the growth of both Gramme positive and Gramme negative microorganisms. Over the course of six months, the herb-infused coatings also retained their phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, which improved their anti-oxidant efficacy when compared to the untreated control group.