초록 ▼

A packaging method and package for preserving cherries using a low barrier plastic film to provide them with a long shelf life is described. The low barrier plastic film has a gas permeability of at least 80 cc O2 and 490 cc CO2 per mil per 100 square inches per day at 25°C. and 760 mm HI. Both high

A packaging method and package for preserving cherries using a low barrier plastic film to provide them with a long shelf life is described. The low barrier plastic film has a gas permeability of at least 80 cc O2 and 490 cc CO2 per mil per 100 square inches per day at 25°C. and 760 mm HI. Both high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene films having a thickness in the range of 0.0006 to 0.003 inch are used in examples for packaging bags. However other low barrier film plastics can be used including polypropylene The bags are provided with one or more small perforations to adjust their gas permeability. After cooling the cherries to about 36°F. they are deposited in the bags. The bags are partially evacuated to remove about one half the air and an injection gas of at least 30% CO2 and the balance N2 is injected to fill the bag which is then heat sealed. As a result, a residual protective gas of about 4-13% 02, 4-14% CO2 and balance N2 is maintained in the bag after seven days from sealing. The packages of cherries may be stored at about 28°F. for two months or mere without significant decay or mold and without adversely affecting the appearance or taste of the cherries.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of controlled atmosphere packaging for preserving cherries during shipment, comprising the steps of: providing a container including at least a portion of low barrier plastic film on several sides of the container having a gas permeability of between about 80 cc and 780 cc of O2 and between

A method of controlled atmosphere packaging for preserving cherries during shipment, comprising the steps of: providing a container including at least a portion of low barrier plastic film on several sides of the container having a gas permeability of between about 80 cc and 780 cc of O2 and between about 490 cc and 2860 cc of CO2 per 0.001 inch of thickness per 100 square inches of area per day at 25°C. temperature and 760 mm Hg pressure; cooling cherries to a temperature below 40°F. to reduce their respiration rate; filling said shipping container with a quantity of said cooled cherries which are provided with moisture on their outer surface; evacuating at least a portion of the air from said container; refilling the partially evacuated container with an injection gas mixture including carbon dioxide and nitrogen to provide a preservative gas within said container which is a gas mixture including oxygen at a percentage less than that in air and carbon dioxide at a percentage greater than that in air; said cooled cherries within said container being wet with moisture on their outer surface so that carbon dioxide is rapidly absorbed by the cooled moist cherries to further reduce the respiration rate of the cooled moist cherries within said container to less than 50% of their normal respiration rate at the temperature to which said cherries are cooled; sealing the injection gas filled container, said low barrier film\s gas permeability maintaining a controlled atmosphere in said container of sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide to preserve the cherries during storage for at least 30 days; and refrigerated storage of the sealed container.