Miami, Florida-based Save Foods says that a recent trial on strawberries revealed promising results whereby Save Foods’ research and development team managed to extend the shelf life of the fruit.
Fresh strawberries have one of the highest levels of waste of all fresh produce, with an estimated 64 percent of strawberries lost before they are eaten in the U.S. This waste occurs at all stages of the supply chain and is valued at approximately $1.4 billion in the U.S.
Strawberries are highly perishable, presenting several challenges for commercial cultivation. They are relatively delicate when handled, they are subject to fruit rot and don’t last very long on the shelf. Shelf life is usually up to two weeks after picking, with the rate dropping exponentially every hour they are kept at room temperature.
Currently, packers rely on refrigeration and packaging to keep strawberries fresh for up to two weeks. However, in Save Foods’ recent trial, researchers were able to keep five times as many strawberries fresh, compared to the industry standard, by applying Save Foods’ treatments, which translates into 85 percent less waste.
Extended shelf life offers growers, retailers and consumers a longer window in which to transport, sell, store and consume produce. Save Foods’ treatments are non-toxic and easy to apply, and they not only extend shelf life, but provide a high level of food safety that benefits consumers.
“Our research demonstrated an 85 percent reduction in waste with Save Foods’ treament. On day 15, our research team recorded an 81 percent loss for the control group (industry standard), while the loss was only 14 percent for strawberries treated with Save Foods’ treatment. Save Foods is committed to prolonging the freshness and shelf life of fresh produce, resulting in less waste and higher profits along the supply chain,” said Uri Bach, research and development innovation manager at Save Foods.
Save Foods is an agri-food tech company specializing in eco crop protection that helps reduce food waste and ensure food safety. It is dedicated to delivering integrated solutions for improved safety, freshness and quality, every step of the way from field to fork.
Collaborating with its customers, the company develops new solutions that benefit the supply chain and improve the safety and quality of life. Its initial applications are in post-harvest treatments in fruit and vegetable packing houses, processing produce such as citrus, avocado, pears, apples and mangos.
For more information, visit savefoods.co.
