Fruits and Vegetables Stay Fresh for Five Times Longer with Edible Coating Peel
In a groundbreaking development for the agricultural industry, California-based start-up Apeel Sciences has introduced two revolutionary food technologies: Invisipeel and Edipeel. These edible, natural products, made from plant extracts, aim to reduce the industry's reliance on pesticides, increase produce quality, and optimize shelf life.
Invisipeel, often referred to simply as Apeel, is a food-safe, edible natural product designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The product is made from lipids and glycerolipids obtained from plant peels, seeds, and pulp, and applied as a thin, invisible layer to the surface of fruits and vegetables. This layer acts as a barrier that slows down water loss and reduces oxidation, two primary factors causing spoilage and deterioration.
By mimicking and enhancing the natural protective properties of produce peels, Invisipeel helps maintain freshness for longer periods compared to untreated produce. The effectiveness of this barrier means that less post-harvest fungicides and pesticides are needed to prevent spoilage or mold, as the coating itself provides protection against environmental factors and microbial proliferation.
The result is a dual benefit: growers can reduce chemical inputs while still protecting their crops, and consumers receive fresher, longer-lasting produce with a potentially reduced chemical residue load. The material is tasteless, colorless, and edible, ensuring no impact on food experience.
While Invisipeel is still at the R&D stage and has not been released for public or commercial use, Apeel Sciences has also developed Edipeel. This micro-thin and invisible peel protects produce surfaces from oxidation and water loss, allowing produce to sustain their natural hydration and preventing spoilage. Edipeel has been patented by Apeel Sciences to maintain produce freshness, reducing the need for refrigeration.
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that 45% of globally produced fruits and vegetables are being wasted, with the highest food loss rate compared to other produce. Invisipeel and Edipeel could potentially address this issue by significantly extending the shelf life of fresh produce.
In addition to its benefits for the agricultural industry, Invisipeel promotes pesticide-free farming by acting as a 'molecular camouflage' that prevents pests from recognizing produce as edible. This could lead to a reduction in the use of harmful pesticides, such as carbamate herbicides, which are still being used in Great Britain for typical produce like strawberries.
As we move towards a more sustainable and health-conscious future, innovative solutions like Invisipeel and Edipeel from Apeel Sciences are poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry, helping to reduce food waste, improve produce quality, and promote pesticide-free farming. For more information, consult Apeel Sciences’ official resources or recent peer-reviewed articles on the subject.
- The advancement in technology by Apeel Sciences, specifically the development of 'Invisipeel', offers a potential solution to combat the high food loss rate in the agricultural industry, as reported by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.
- With the aim of reducing the reliance on pesticides, 'Invisipeel' represents an innovation in robotics and science, as it mimics and enhances the natural protective properties of produce, providing a barrier to slow down water loss and reduce oxidation.
- The introduction of 'Invisipeel' and 'Edipeel' by Apeel Sciences has the potential to improve health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise by providing fresher, longer-lasting produce, making it easier for consumers to follow healthy-diets and maintain a nutritious lifestyle.
- By promoting pesticide-free farming through 'Invisipeel', Apeel Sciences is contributing to science, innovation, and health-conscious initiatives, potentially leading to a reduction in the use of harmful pesticides, such as carbamate herbicides, and a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
