Extended shelf life microgreen products and methods
AssigneeFresh Origins, LLC
InventorDavid G. Sasuga
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microgreen product and a method relate to a microgreen characterized by a husky, shorter, thicker main stem reaching a harvested height of about one inch, with larger leaves, and is further characterized by a deeper color of green or red with a more intense taste and longer shelf life, such as at least ten days.
Claims14
A method of providing a microgreens product with significantly longer shelf life than most other microgreens products, wherein the microgreens product has a shelf life of at least ten (10) days.
A microgreens product having an extended shelf life, prepared by
- (a) identifying and selecting at least one variety of microgreens having significantly longer shelf life than most other varieties, for use in the microgreens product;
- (b) growing microgreens under conditions of seedling density, high light intensity, and low soil fertility sufficient to produce microgreens of that variety having significantly longer shelf life;
- (c) optionally treating the microgreens with at least one sanitizing agent, or at least one substance that forms a protective barrier on the seedling, prior to harvesting;
- (d) harvesting when the microgreens are dry;
- (e) quickly cooling the microgreens after harvest;
- (f) optionally treating the harvested microgreens with at least one sanitizing substance or at least one substance that forms a protective barrier;
- (g) packaging the microgreens in a packaging container with limited amount of air exchange and optionally comprising a modified atmosphere, e.g., N2 gas at above ambient levels, to provide a microgreens product;
- and
- (h) maintaining the microgreens product at a temperature of between 35-40° F. (1.66 to 4.44° C.) without interruption during packaging and shipping.
Packaged microgreens product having significantly longer shelf life than most other microgreens products comprising, microgreens of one or more varieties grown and treated under conditions suitable to produce microgreens of significantly longer shelf life from each variety in the product and a packaging container with limited amount of air exchange and optionally comprising a modified atmosphere, e.g., N2 gas at above ambient levels.
A kit comprising:
- (a) a large rigid plastic container or bag;
- (b) a mixture of mature leafy greens disposed within the large clam shell container or bag;
- (c) a small clam shell container or bag disposed within the large clam shell container or bag;
- and
- (d) at least one variety of microgreens having a long shelf life disposed within the small clam shell container or bag.
A microgreen harvested from a seedling, comprising:
- a thicker, husky, shorter main stem reaching a harvested height of about one inch, with larger leaves, and characterized by a deeper color of green or red with a more intense taste and exhibiting a longer shelf life.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.