Provided are coating compositions for, and methods for reducing weight loss and improving the shelf life of, post-harvest edible and non-edible plant matter. In particular, the compositions may include a hydrocolloid polymer, an edible wax, a fatty acid, an edible alkaline component essentially free of morpholine and/or ammonia, and water. The edible alkaline component allows formation of a homogeneous emulsion without the need for any additional emulsifier. The methods include applying the compositions to the surface of plant matter, and more specifically to plant matter having a natural skin, shell or tunic.
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