Despite the numerous benefits of Punica granatum L., ready-to-eat pomegranate aril consumption remains limited due to rapid physiological deterioration
and microbiological spoilage during storage. This study evaluated the efficacy of natural edible coatings, Hibiscus extracts (3% and 6%), licorice root extracts
(3% and 6%), and gelatin solutions (5% and 10%) in preserving the postharvest quality of Manfalouty pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils harvested from
El Badary, Assiut Governorate, Egypt, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Physical quality attributes (weight loss, total soluble solids [TSS%], titratable acidity
[TA%], vitamin C, and anthocyanins) were assessed at 0, 7, 14, and 21 d. Microbiological analysis quantified bacterial and fungal counts (CFU/g) on nutrient
agar and Czapek's dextrose agar. Sensory properties (color, odor, taste, and texture) were rated on a 10-point hedonic scale by a 10-member panel. Results
demonstrated that higher concentrations of Hibiscus and licorice extracts significantly reduced weight loss, microbial loads, and sensory deterioration while
enhancing TSS, TA, vitamin C, and anthocyanin levels compared to controls, extending shelf life effectively. After 21 d of cold storage, Hibiscus 6% minimized
weight loss (2.93%–2.96%) vs control (3.89%–3.84%), TSS% (16.17%–16.23%) vs control (15.0%–14.9%), TA% (1.21%–1.16%) vs control (0.91%–1.07%),
vitamin C (22.87–23.53 mg/100 mL) vs control (19.92–20.53 mg/100 mL), and anthocyanins (53.30–53.46 mg/100 g FW) vs control (49.07–49.8 mg/100 g FW)
in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively. Microbial counts were lowest with 6% Hibiscus extract (bacteria: 12–16 CFU/g; fungi: 5–5.67 CFU/g at 21 d vs
control 136–142.67 and 27–28.3 CFU/g) in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively. The 6% Hibiscus extract limited the fungal species number from seven
species to Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum. Moreover, the control and gelatin showed the highest deterioration. These coatings, especially
Hibiscus, effectively extend shelf life by reducing physiological and microbial losses, supporting sustainable preservation.