Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a thin, edible seaweed coating that significantly extends the freshness of fruit, helping reduce food waste and reliance on cold storage.
- Seaweed coating doubled shelf life of strawberries, grapes, and apples.
- Coating reduces moisture loss and prevents mold growth.
- Environmental impact is lower than traditional refrigeration.
What happened
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have developed an edible coating made from seaweed-derived agar, zinc, and tannic acid. This mixture self-assembles into a thin, clear film that seals in moisture and blocks gases that speed spoilage. In tests, strawberries coated with this film stayed fresh at room temperature for more than four days, twice as long as uncoated fruit, and even exceeded the freshness of refrigerated, untreated berries.
The coating also improved the shelf life of other fruits such as grapes, which lasted nearly two weeks, and cut apple slices, which stayed fresh about 24 hours compared to just 12 hours untreated. Beyond extending freshness, the coating maintained more vitamin C and antioxidants in the fruit and showed no toxicity in safety tests, making it safe to eat and easy to wash off.
Why it feels good
This seaweed coating offers a natural, low-impact way to reduce food waste, a huge problem that costs economies billions annually. In Canada alone, nearly half the food produced is lost or wasted, especially fresh fruits and vegetables that are prone to spoilage. By extending shelf life and slowing decay, the coating helps save more produce from being discarded.
Additionally, because the coating reduces the need for refrigeration, it could lower energy consumption and emissions from cold storage throughout the supply chain. This would ease demand on power grids and help shrink the environmental footprint of transporting and storing fresh food, presenting a practical step toward more sustainable food systems.
What to enjoy or watch next
The research team is currently testing the seaweed coating on a broader variety of fruits and vegetables to explore its full potential. As the coating uses common, safe ingredients already found in vegan and food products, it may soon become a practical option for consumers and suppliers looking to keep fresh produce longer without chemical preservatives or energy-heavy refrigeration.
Stay tuned for updates on its commercial availability and compatibility with different produce types. This innovation could transform how fruit is stored and sold, helping shoppers enjoy fresher fruit for longer while supporting environmental sustainability.