The present invention discloses coating compositions and methods for reducing the weight loss and improving the shelf life of post-harvest edible and non-edible plant matter. In particular, the compositions comprise a hydrocolloid polymer; an edible wax; a fatty acid; an edible alkaline component essentially free of morpholine and/or ammonia; and water, wherein the edible alkaline component allows formation of a homogeneous emulsion without the need for any additional emulsifier, and the methods comprise applying said composition to the surface of the plant matter, specifically to the plant matter comprising a natural skin, shell or tunic.
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