Experiment: Humber Growers Capsicums
To extend the storage life of capsicums using
Long Life Solutions tray liners.
Capsicums - Red and yellow Israeli peppers were
transferred into Long Life Solutions bags
on arrival at Humber Growers. Note: This is why
the experiment refers to enhancing storage life,
the fruit on arrival is of indeterminate age.
Four boxes of red and four boxes of yellow peppers
were transferred into Long Life Solutions bags
and compared weekly against a sample of loose
fruit from the same consignment. (Average temp
for the duration of experiment was 12ºC).
Week 1
Loose
Long Life Bags
Dehydration
None
None
Breakdown
1 fruit
None
Firmness
Good
Good
Weight Loss
Slight
None
Week 2
Loose
Long Life Bags
Dehydration
slight wrinkle
1 fruit slight wrinkle
Breakdown
2 fruit
None
Firmness
Slightly tender
1 fruit
Weight Loss
Yes
None
Week 3
Loose
Long Life Bags
Dehydration
All wrinkled
2 fruit
Breakdown
None
1 Rot
Firmness
Soft
2 fruit
Weight Loss
Yes
2 Slight
Week 4
Loose
Long Life Bags
Dehydration
-
1 wrinkled
Breakdown
All
2 fruit
Firmness
-
3 fruit soft
Weight Loss
-
2 Slight
Capsicums Conclusion
Given the indeterminate age of fruit at the start of this test, the results are
remarkable and warrant further investigation. This will be repeated with
Spanish peppers during the 2001/02 season.
