For extending shelf-life of fresh fruit and vegetables, the most important control is temperature, i.e., immediately reduce environmental temperature of fresh fruit and vegetables and keep at desired temperature. In addition, controlled atmosphere storage and modified atmosphere packaging, as well as edible coatings have been used for delaying post-harvest respiration, control moisture loss, thus extending shelf-life of fruit and vegetables.

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service -
Postharvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/postharvest.html#postharvest

BioFresh - Fresh Produce Packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging
For Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
http://www.biofreshpkg.com/

FDA Publication -Microbiological Safety of Controlled
and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/ift3-6.html

Modified Atmospheres Packaging and the Fresh-cut Revolution
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-159.pdf#search='modified%20atmosphere%20packaging%20produce '

Sydney Postharvest Laboratory Information Sheet -
Modified Atmosphere Packaging: Not as Simple As it Seems
http://www.postharvest.com.au/MAP_article.PDF

Edible Films and Coatings and Their Potential Food Applications
http://www.ediblefilms.org/

NatureSeal - A amazing family of vitamin/mineral blends that help fresh cut fruits and vegetables maintain their color, texture and flavor.
http://www.natureseal.com

Page updated February 23, 2009