Leafy greens are a common ingredient in many healthy meals. But, they often spoil during shipment or on the store shelf. This is part of a bigger problem of food waste. A recent study from a European food tech has shown that its technology can extend the shelf-life of arugula up to 24 days. This solution can impact not only leafy greens but also the fruit and vegetable industries, making a positive impact on the fight against food waste.
Growing concern about food waste is highlighted by the expanding global leafy vegetable market. According to Global "Leafy Vegetable Market" Growth Research 2023-2030, this market was valued at USD 71.56 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 95.72 million by 2028. Spinach and arugula have recently become more popular due to health trends. Demand for fresh, healthy produce continues to grow, highlighting the need for solutions to extend their freshness.
“The technology we developed can address the challenge of leafy greens' perishability. We are excited to share the results of recent studies that showed how our Vidre+™ 1-MCP stickers impacted leafy greens. For example, the regular spinach began yellowing after just 3 days, while the Vidre+ treated samples showed only minor yellowing after 10 days. That is not all we have conducted numbers of research, and Vidre+ has demonstrated a positive impact on freshly harvested blueberries, raspberries, mushrooms, and more,” says Tim Malefyt, Ph.D., CTO at Fresh Inset.
Freshness protection food tech
The Vidre+ technology can revolutionize the way we protect fruits and vegetables from going to waste. It uses simple stickers that go inside the packaging to shield fresh produce from the effects of ethylene gas. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that ripens fruits and vegetables but also causes them to soften and rot. The stickers gradually release a substance called 1-MCP, which is widely used in the produce industry. With Vidre+, there is no need for a 24-hour application in a sealed storage room. The technology is easy to use and affordable. This solution can have a significant contribution to the global food waste battle.
Vidre+ is already used in Argentina and is awaiting regulatory approval in key food production markets, including the Americas. The research on 5 continents proves the solution works on various crops.
Impact on leafy greens
In 2023, researchers from the University of Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Poland, led a study commissioned by Fresh Inset that demonstrated the impact of Vidre+ technology on leafy greens.
For more information:
Fresh Inset
Email: krzysztof.czaplicki@freshinset.com.