Packaging system for preserving perishable items

A packaging system for preserving a perishable item, wherein said packaging system is comprised of a gas permeable tray comprised of open-cell foam, wherein said gas permeable tray is disposed within a sealed, oxygen-impermeable barrier bag, and wherein:

• (a) said gas permeable tray is comprised of foam material, wherein at least about 20 volume percent of said foam material is open cell foam comprised of a multiplicity of open cells, said open cells comprise a gas phase which comprises less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen, and said open cells have an average cell diameter of from about 0.0001 to about 0.030 inches,
• (b) said gas permeable tray is comprised of a bottom wall and at least one side wall integrally connected to said bottom wall and extending upwardly and outwardly from said bottom wall at an angle of from about 1 to about 90 degrees, wherein each of said bottom wall and said side wall have a thickness of from about 0.025 to about 0.50 inches,
• (c) said gas permeable tray has a density of from about 0.2 to about 55 pounds per cubic foot,
• (d) said sealed barrier bag has an oxygen permeability of less than 10 cubic centimeters per 100 square inches per 24 hours, and
• (f) the atmosphere within said sealed barrier bag is comprised of inert gas and less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen.