Maintaining the quality and safety of fresh produce is a major problem of the industry and a top government research priority. An intense search is underway for alternative methods to prolong the shelf life of fresh produce without the use of undesirable chemicals.Edible films appear to be a potential solution, however, many questions remain regarding food coating issues, microbial properties, shelf-life extension, and economics of these substances.The proposed program is directed at delineating the feasibility of using ICEIN, a novel, edible biopolymer film, to extend the shelf-life of four fresh-picked Maine grown fruits: strawberries, raspberries, wild blueberries, and cranberries.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::Fresh produce represents a multi-billion dollar industry beset by high perishability problems. Successful applications of ICEIN on fresh Maine berries offers a means to market Maine and U.S. grown berries over a larger geographic area, as well as increase the productivity of both large-scale and small-scale growers.Positive outcomes could result in a significant reduction of waste on highly perishable fruits, thereby increasing profitability within the soft fruit industry in Maine and elsewhere. Export potential could also be increased.
