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.
