Fresh Berry Shelf Life Extended Through Slow-Release Ethylene Inhibitor

Polish food-tech company, Fresh Inset, appears to be on the brink of providing an innovative solution to extend the seasonality of soft fruits while simultaneously combating food waste in both hemispheres. The company's trials, conducted on blueberries, have yielded promising results, courtesy of their patented 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) delivery system. This groundbreaking technology appears to slow down the ripening process, significantly enhancing the shelf life of the treated blueberries. Remarkably, these blueberries maintained excellent eating quality and firmness for a remarkable 49 days.

1-Methylcyclopropene, or 1-MCP, is a potent ethylene action inhibitor found in plant cells, known for its ability to bind with specific receptors, thereby influencing the fruit's ripening process.

The crux of this innovation is the Vidre+™ technology, a patented system for delivering 1-MCP. This ingenious approach initiates the release of 1-MCP merely 1-2 hours after the fruits are packed, and it continues to gradually disperse within the packaging itself over a span of 30 hours. What makes this system even more remarkable is its simplicity, involving the use of a sticker. The release mechanism is ingeniously triggered by the humidity levels present within the packaged fruits themselves.

This innovative approach represents a potential game-changer in the world of soft fruits, offering a solution to extend the availability of these delicate produce items across different seasons while effectively curbing the problem of food waste.

The soft fruits industry is no stranger to the challenges posed by seasonality and the short shelf life of these delicate, perishable items. Soft fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are highly prized for their taste and nutritional value but are often plagued by a limited window of freshness. Extending the availability of these fruits beyond their typical growing seasons has been a longstanding goal in the industry.

At the heart of this innovation lies the Vidre+™ technology, an ingenious approach to delivering 1-MCP. What sets this system apart is its simplicity and effectiveness. It initiates the release of 1-MCP within a mere 1-2 hours after the blueberries are packed. However, the real magic happens within the packaging itself, as the system continues to gradually disperse 1-MCP over the course of 30 hours. This controlled release mechanism is ingeniously triggered by the humidity levels naturally present within the packaged blueberries.

Food waste is a global concern, with vast quantities of perfectly good food ending up in landfills every year. Fruits and vegetables are among the most wasted food items, often discarded due to spoilage before they even reach consumers. Fresh Inset's innovative approach has the potential to address this issue head-on by ensuring that soft fruits maintain their freshness and quality for an extended period.

In essence, this technology is a game-changer for both consumers and the soft fruits industry as a whole. It enables consumers to enjoy their favorite soft fruits at any time of the year while also aligning with broader sustainability goals by significantly reducing food waste. This innovation stands as a testament to the power of food technology to revolutionize the way we grow, package, and enjoy fresh produce. As we move towards a more sustainable future, innovations such as Fresh Inset's Vidre+™ technology represent a step in the right direction – one that benefits both our taste buds and the planet.