In 2014, food prices are on the
rise… This bit of news affects every aspect of our lives. With energy and fuel
prices on the rise, and the weakening of the US Dollar, it is only natural that
food prices will follow. The question comes down to this, “What can I do about
it?
Well, in the case of fresh fruits and vegetables the answer is simple.
Find a way to make them last longer. Freezing, pickling, and dehydrating are
established as tried and true methods to preserve vegetables and fruits. The
problem is they are no longer fresh fruits and vegetables.
All fruits and vegetables release a gas known as ethylene. This occurs during the ripening process and accelerates as the product gets to the break point. The break point or “breaking” can best be described as the point where the fruit or vegetable is no longer ripening, but starting to decay.
All fruits and vegetables release a gas known as ethylene. This occurs during the ripening process and accelerates as the product gets to the break point. The break point or “breaking” can best be described as the point where the fruit or vegetable is no longer ripening, but starting to decay.
The age-old adage of “one bad apple
spoils the bunch” is in fact true. The increase in ethylene in the air will
encourage other fruits and vegetables to start this process and accelerate the
process in the vicinity.
Ethylene gas (C2H4) is a natural ripening hormone produced by fruits and vegetables and flowers. Ethylene gases that are contained or trapped in storage areas cause fruits to prematurely ripen and decay and vegetables & flowers to fade and wilt. It also causes bitterness in vegetables.
Virtually all fruits and vegetables
give off a natural gas called ethylene. This gas starts the ripening cycle. Our
Extend-A-Life™ filters and sachets absorb most of the ethylene produced by
these fruits and vegetables. By absorbing this ethylene gas, our filters,
sachets and systems will increase the shelf life of most fruits and vegetables
by as much as two to four weeks longer than normal.
Generally all fruits and vegetables
give off ethylene gas. However, most fruits and vegetables are categorized into
two groups, those that are considered ethylene producers, and those that are
considered ethylene sensitive. Products such as melons, bananas, avocados and
tomatoes are considered ethylene producers. Products such as lettuce, broccoli,
and carrots are considered ethylene sensitive.
It is important for Growers of
fruits and vegetables that are ethylene producers need to find ways to reduce
the amount of ethylene the products generate, whether it is in their warehouse,
cold rooms, trucks or shipping containers. By reducing the ethylene with our
Extend-A-Life™ filters, sachets and systems, we can give them longer shelf life
and better quality arrivals of their fruits and vegetables. For growers of
ethylene sensitive products, we can reduce the risk of ethylene contamination.
Even small parts of ethylene gas have been proven to drastically affect the
quality and shelf life of ethylene sensitive products. As little as 1 part per
million of ethylene gas in the air can cause damage. Some particular problems
that will occur with ethylene sensitive products are: lettuce will turn brown
and spotted, carrots will taste bitter, and broccoli will turn yellow.
The United States Military Units
have limited space, Navy ships are constrained by the ship designs, and many
companies, particularly hotels, restaurants and wholesalers, still store fruits
and vegetables together, either because of their limited storage facilities or
lack of knowledge of the effects of ethylene gas and ethylene contamination.
Our line of filters can greatly reduce the amount of ethylene in the cold
rooms, trailers and refrigerated containers.
The active ingredient of our
Extend-A-Life™ filters is potassium permanganate. This chemical has been
scientifically proven to absorb ethylene. The second element of our filters is
a mined mineral call zeolite. Zeolite has the appearance of small rock
granules, and is purple when coated with Potassium Permanganate. Zeolite is
used because it allows air to circulate throughout the filters and sachets.
AgraCo's filter products are safe, have been approved by the California Organic
Handbook, and recommended by the U.S. Department of Agricultural for use in
removing ethylene gas in conjunction with the storage and transportation of
fruits and vegetables. AgraCo filters contain no hazardous materials and may be
disposed of in ordinary municipal waste.
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