Food Hydrocolloid Edible Films & Coatings

An edible film is defined as a thin layer, which can be consumed, coated on a food or placed as a barrier between the food and the surrounding environment. This book presents and discusses the aspects of hydrocolloid edible films and coatings. It also examines the physical properties of the film and coating.

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An edible film is defined as a thin layer, which can be consumed, coated on a food or placed as a barrier between the food and the surrounding environment. For the past 10 years, research on edible films and coatings in foods is driven by food engineers due to the high demand of consumers for longer shelf-life and better quality of fresh foods as well as of environmentally friendly packaging. This book presents and discusses only some aspects of hydrocolloid edible films and coatings. In particular, the film-forming materials is presented and the physical properties of the film and coating are examined. The main techniques used to form edible coatings as spray systems or immersion procedures are detailed as well as the solvent casting and the extrusion processes for the edible films.