Fresh fruit for all
The aim of the EASYFRUIT (Active packaging for extended shelf life of peeled and cut fruit) project was to develop a minimal processing protocol in combination with the development of active packaging to extend the shelf-life of peeled and cut orange and pineapple for 5 days. A consortium of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMES) joined together to solve the technological barriers encountered in developing new protocols and active packaging. They included two fresh-cut fruit companies, two packaging companies, two research centres specialised in food packaging technologies and an international retailer representing over 15 000 stores. Project partners developed a minimal processing treatment for peeled and fresh-cut oranges and pineapple together with an active film, active tray and active packaging for pineapple and orange. This will increase the consumption of fruit that is particularly difficult to peel, such as pineapples, thereby reducing those diseases associated with the lack of fresh fruit. Extension of the shelf-life of cut fruit through the implementation of a new packaging solution will increase competiveness by increasing the sales and turnover of this specific sector. It will also help to limit waste by reducing the amount of fresh fruit lost by reducing the waste generated from peeling and fruit cutting. EASYFRUIT will help ensure that those who would otherwise not have the time to prepare fresh fruit, or who might experience difficulty, such as the elderly and infirm, will be able to easily enjoy its health giving benefits.
Keywords
Fresh fruit, healthy diet, shelf life, EASYFRUIT, active packaging, orange, pineapple
