**5. Conclusions**

The results here show that all ECs reduced WL and RR similarly and increased firmness values compared to the controls, resulting in extending the cherry storage by one week. Among treatments, chitosan was superior in enhancing peel glossiness and firmness when compared to OFI extracts. OFI extracts exhibited elevated c-3-rut and G50 catechin levels after 28 d of storage and no negative effect among the determined variables.

The use of raw materials from plant residues is desirable, while OFI cladodes are rich in dietary fibers, calcium, potassium, carbohydrates and polyphenols. Nevertheless, *Opuntia* genotype, cladode age, cultivation area and pruning season affect their composition. Cladodes are abundant after pruning in cultivation areas of cactus pear, and comprise an alternative for ECs preparation at low cost, while in a dried form would facilitate their storage and transport [60]. In OFI cladode extracts, incorporation of other materials or compounds along with plasticizers could improve the properties and functionalities of the coating. However, more experiments are needed to improve the effectiveness of OFI extracts on cherry storage. After all, *Opuntia* cladode extracts have potential as ECs to extend the storage life and improve the quality of cherries.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, M.V.C., J.B., M.K., E.T.; methodology, M.V.C., M.K., J.B., G.T., D.F., E.T.; investigation, M.V.C., D.G., M.K.; writing—original draft preparation, M.V.C., M.K., E.T.; writing—review and editing, M.V.C., D.G., M.K., J.B., D.F., G.T., E.T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Data Availability Statement:** Data is contained within the article.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors thank G. Papadopoulos for statistical advice.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.

#### **References**

