**4. Conclusions**

The application of *A. vera* gel edible coating could prolong the shelf life of tomatoes, as observed from the color measurement and organoleptic test. In addition, the *A. vera* edible coating could decrease the loss of moisture content and weight of tomatoes, which further affects the freshness of tomatoes. Furthermore, the edible coating can inhibit the maturity stage, as shown in the titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids. Meanwhile, the coating process could retain the hardness of the tomato. From the organoleptic test, the non-coated tomatoes were preferred by the panelists for the color, but for the glossiness, skin appearance, and texture, the coated tomatoes were preferred. Moreover, the presence of *A. vera* gel could minimize the degradation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds while inhibiting lycopene production, thus protecting the ability of tomatoes to act as an antioxidant and affecting the color of tomatoes that may influence the consumer acceptance. Based on these properties, *A. vera* could potentially be used for coating other fruit commodities. It could also be mixed with hydrocolloids to construct a film suitable for food packaging applications.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, A.R.U., E.S., I.R.A.P.J.; methodology, I.R.A.P.J., A.R.U., E.S.; software, L.M.Y.D.D.; formal analysis, I.R.A.P.J., A.R.U., E.S.; resources, I.R.A.P.J., L.M.Y.D.D.; writing—original draft preparation, I.R.A.P.J., A.R.U., E.S.; writing—review and editing, A.R.U., E.S., I.R.A.P.J.; visualization, L.M.Y.D.D.; supervision, A.R.U.; project administration, E.S.; funding acquisition, I.R.A.P.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research was funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Services, Deputy of Research Empowerment and Development, The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia, grant number 260K/WM01.5/N/2022. The APC was funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Services, Deputy of Research Empowerment and Development, The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia.

**Data Availability Statement:** Data are available upon request.

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

### **References**

