Chicago-based Hazel Technologies Inc. has completed peach, nectarine, and plum supply chain quality trials with the University of California, Davis.
In the trials, researchers found that Hazel Tech packaging can maintain post-harvest characteristics such as firmness and color retention in seven different varieties of peaches, plums, and nectarines in standard supply chain condition, according to a news release.
“We are extremely pleased to report that UC Davis researchers saw significant increases in peach, plum, and nectarine firmness or color retention with Hazel compared to control fruit, even after 22 days in storage,” Adam Preslar, co-founder and CTO of Hazel Technologies, said in the release. “We are thrilled to offer both the conventional and organic stone-fruit industry products that can help packers and retailers provide top-quality fruit to the market, reduce waste, and increase sales.”
The release said the trial was conducted on eight varieties of peaches, plums, and nectarines grown by HMC Farms, Kingsburg, Calif.
Hazel was applied to commercial peach, plum, and nectarine varieties following harvest and packing, according to the release. The fruit was then stored in simulated retail supply chain conditions at UC Davis for up to 22 days, according to the release, and periodically assessed by a team of researchers for standard quality traits such as firmness and color retention.
“In our trials, we were able to show conclusively that in seven of the eight total varieties, there was stronger skin and firmer flesh due to Hazel treatment,” Barbara Blanco-Ulate, professor at the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis, said in the release. “The Blanco Lab is committed to researching new post-harvest technologies related to fruit ripening and quality, and we are pleased to be working with Hazel Technologies on this new shelf-life solution for peaches, plums, and nectarines.”
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