Process for ripening bananas and other produce
US5460841A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23B7/148
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for uniformly controlling the ripening of bananas and other perishable products from harvest to delivery, wherein a combination shipping and ripening container having an internal volume capable of receiving and maintaining a controlled atmosphere is provided. Freshly harvested, unripened perishable products are loaded into the container and cooled to a holding temperature in a range of from about 57.degree. to about 70.degree. F. Once the products are stabilized at the desired holding temperature, a controlled atmosphere including ethylene is preferably substantially immediately provided to the internal volume to uniformly initiate ripening of all of the loaded products. Once ripening has been initiated, the ethylene is reduced within the internal volume by displacement with a low oxygen controlled atmosphere, which is maintained within the container during storage, transportation, and delivery procedures. Prior to unloading the ripened products from the container, the atmosphere within the internal volume is returned to normal conditions. Once the loaded products have been stabilized at the desired holding temperature and exposed to the ethylene atmosphere to initiate rip…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.