Scientists use plasma to stave off fresh produce spoilage
The technology — widely used in medicine and dentistry — is currently being tested on avocados and works by producing plasma generated by an electrical charge, conducted through two electrodes using the air around us.
“That plasma coats the surface of the food, and when you treat that surface you kill the mould spores on the surface so they can’t infect the fruit,” Dr Bayliss said.
“It seems to be stimulating the resistance response in the fruit as well so it’s actually defending itself against infection — it’s really clever and completely chemically free.”
She says the technology could lead to a massive reduction in food waste. More than 30 per cent of purchased food in Australia, slightly less in New Zealand, ends up in the rubbish bin.
source: mindfood.com
