Lime handlers see benefits with Hazel technology

Chicago-based Hazel Technologies Inc. is slowing the yellowing process of limes for lime growers and wholesalers across the U.S., according to a news release.

Collaborators such as Pharr, Texas-based produce shipper London Fruit Inc. and Pittsburg, Kan.-based produce wholesaler Martinous Produce Co. are seeing extended freshness in their limes with Hazel Tech’s flagship technology, Hazel 100, according to the release.

Retail availability of limes per person nearly doubled over the last decade, going from 2.4 pounds in 2010 to 3.9 pounds in 2020, according to the USDA. Growers and wholesalers are turning to technologies such as Hazel 100 to ensure their fruit makes it to retailers at the greenest and freshest state possible, according to the release.

“Hazel 100 is a very cost-effective value-add that helps extend lime shelf life for our customers,” Amanda Horney, business development manager at London Fruit, said in the release. “The product provides them with a sense of security, especially right now, near the end of the summer when limes turn yellow so quickly. It’s the perfect product to extend their shelf-life.”

During a 20-day trial in 2021, Hazel Tech’s postharvest team compared the overall skin color found in 10 boxes of Hazel 100-treated limes and 10 boxes of untreated limes. On days 4 through 20 of the trial, results showed Hazel 100 sachets reduced yellowing in the lime’s exterior across the board. On the final day of the trial, 30% of the Hazel 100-treated limes had greener skin than the control, according to the release.

“I heard about Hazel through our lime supplier, London Fruit,” Farris Martinous, owner of Martinous Produce Co., said in the release. “We started adding their product, Hazel 100, to our limes, and it’s really helped us with the shelf life for our retail customers. Since we’ve been using it, I don’t think we’ve had any problems, but if we have had any problems, it was very minor. I think it is a win-win for everybody.” 

“Consistently greener skin in Hazel 100-treated limes in this trial confirms our technology’s ability to extend the shelf life of limes,” Andrea Rivera, postharvest customer success manager at Hazel Technologies, said in the release. “Adding those additional days gives the lime industry more time to get high-quality fruit to people wanting the freshest limes they can buy.”