Using multiple uv wavelengths to improve the color and safety of harvested apples
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland, College Park
InventorsMacarena Farcuh, Rohan Tikekar, Joseph H. Sullivan, Yixin Cai, Abraham Moses Monteymayor
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Abstract
Provided herein are methods relating to ultraviolet irradiation of apples to improve their color and safety. The methods allow harvesting apples at optimum maturity, without having to delay waiting for color. The methods result in a significant increase in red skin coloration and suppression of L. monocytogenes without impairing fruit quality attributes during commercial storage.
Claims20
A method of improving the color and safety of a harvested apple, the method comprising:
- exposing the harvested apple to (i) UV-A radiation or UV-B radiation and (ii) UV-C radiation.
A method for promoting postharvest skin coloration of an apple, the method comprising:
- exposing a harvested apple to UV-A radiation or UV-B radiation at a temperature of about 5° C. to about 20° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.