Methods for preserving fresh produce

US8101221B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc. · US

Inventors

• Chao Chen · Shrewsbury, US
• Xiaoling Dong · Attleboro, US
• Kenneth Joseph James · Colbert, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 18, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 24, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A40/90
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods of preserving fresh produce with a produce preservative which extends the shelf life of fresh produce, particularly cut fresh produce, and preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, crispness, and color of the fresh produce, particularly the exposed surface of the fresh produce, are provided. The method comprises: providing a solution of produce preservative comprising: water; a preservative cation which is selected from the group consisting of a strontium ion, lithium ion, barium ion, aluminum ion, copper ion, ammonium ion, iron ion, manganese ion, potassium ion, or mixtures thereof; and ascorbate ions, or erythorbate ions; wherein the ascorbate ions or erythorbate ions and the preservative cation are present in an ion ratio of preferably from 0.2:1 to 8:1, more preferably 0.75:1 to 8:1, even more preferably from 1:1 to 4:1, yet more preferably 1.5:1 to 3:1; most preferably 1.1:1 to 2.5:1; and, applying said produce preservative to the produce. The invention also relates to fresh produce preserved with the produce preservatives.