CHICAGO, IL - What do you get when two of our industry’s most esteemed problem solvers put their heads together? A successful trial with a bounty of results that those along the supply chain can implement, of course! This week, Hazel Technologies and the University of California, Davis exemplified just what we can accomplish if we pool together our knowledge as the two reported the successful completion of peach, nectarine, and plum supply chain quality trails.
“We are extremely pleased to report that UC Davis researchers saw significant increases in peach, plum, and nectarine firmness or color retention with Hazel™ compared to control fruit, even after 22 days in storage,” said Adam Preslar, Co-Founder and CTO of Hazel Technologies. “Maintaining perfect stonefruit quality in the fresh supply chain can be a challenge for packers and retailers, and the consumer eating experience can suffer as a result. We are thrilled to offer both the conventional and organic stone-fruit industry products that can help packers and retailers provide top-quality fruit to the market, reduce waste, and increase sales. We look forward to partnering with UC Davis on trials in the future.”
According to a press release, researchers found that Hazel Tech® packaging can maintain post-harvest characteristics such as firmness and color retention in seven different varieties of peaches, plums, and nectarines in standard supply chain conditions. The trial was conducted on eight varieties of the aforementioned fruits, which were grown by HMC Farms in Kingsburg, California.
“In our trials, we were able to show conclusively that in seven of the eight total varieties, there was stronger skin and firmer flesh due to Hazel™ treatment,” said Dr. Barbara Blanco-Ulate, Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. “The Blanco Lab is committed to researching new post-harvest technologies related to fruit ripening and quality, and we are pleased to be working with Hazel Technologies on this new shelf-life solution for peaches, plums, and nectarines."
As part of the trial, Hazel was applied to commercial peach, plum, and nectarine varieties following harvest and packing. The fruit was then stored in simulated retail supply chain conditions at UC Davis for up to 22 days and periodically assessed by a team of researchers for standard quality traits such as firmness and color retention.
“We are always evaluating potential cutting-edge technologies that will allow us to continue to further elevate the consumer experience of the products we grow,” said Jon McClarty, General Manager at HMC Farms. “Our research with UC Davis and Hazel Tech is a testament to our commitment to innovation.”
For more updates on how our industry is pushing produce forward in all the best ways, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
