ABSTRACT
Aloe spp. plants have been used by humans since the beginning of civilization. Currently, their effects have been scientifically proven, and there are several companies that produce and sell commercial and industrialized Aloe spp. gels and extracts as medicines, cosmetics, and food products. In recent years, over one hundred scientific articles have been published regarding their benefits as edible coatings and their effects on postharvest quality and disease control of both whole and minimally processed (fresh-cut) fruits. We describe the effect of Aloe spp. gels applied before harvest on fruit quality at harvest and during subsequent storage, as well as the effects of postharvest applications on whole and minimally processed fruits. However, in spite of intensive research, there are no companies that market Aloe products for these purposes. In this review, the main characteristics and benefits of Aloe spp. gel application to the quality of fruits after harvest are presented.
