Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, is a method for sanitizing produce, by: treating the produce with a catholyte solution for a period of time sufficient to sanitize the produce; treating the produce with a solution containing chlorine for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce; and treating the produce with a solution containing peroxyacetic acid for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce, where treating with the catholyte solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid yields at least an additional 1 log unit reduction in microbial load, as compared to produce treated with a single solution selected from the catholyte solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid.

Abstract: A system for reducing oxygen in a package of produce product using a lance manifold. The lance manifold has a first end adapted to receive an input gas flow and a second end adapted for placement in a partially-enclosed cavity containing the produce product. The second end of the lance manifold includes a plurality of exit ports adapted to produce an output gas flow and a sampling port for taking an air sample from the partially-enclosed cavity. The system also includes an oxygen analyzer for detecting oxygen content of gas inside the partially-enclosed cavity using the sampling port. The system is configured to produce an output gas flow with the following properties: a substantially oxygen-free composition; a flow rate of at least 100 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH); and a flow direction substantially 90 degrees to a cavity opening of the partially-enclosed cavity.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting a produce with a stem/core planted in a field includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem/core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the produce using a movable first belt with a first set of produce grippers and a movable second belt with a second set of produce grippers. When the produce is held between the first set and second set of produce grippers, a portion of the first set of produce grippers opposes a portion of the second set of produce grippers. The opposing produce grippers are configured to compress and exert a force on the produce to hold the produce between the movable first and second belts.

Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce and its method of use is provided. The apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor comprising a set of parallel rods having a space therebetween, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The methods of using the apparatus include feeding a harvested produce onto a conveyor comprising a set of parallel rods having a space therebetween; transporting the harvested produce on the conveyor towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus; contacting the harvested produce with a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, and the stripping roller, and loosening or removing one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce, wherein one or more of the removed wrapper leaves fall through the space between the rods of the conveyor.

Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting a produce with a stem/core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem/core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the produce cut by the cutting device. The transport assembly includes a movable first belt and a movable second belt. The movable first belt includes a first set of produce grippers and the movable second belt includes a second set of produce grippers. When the produce cut by the cutting device is held between the first set and second set of produce grippers, a portion of the first set of produce grippers opposes a portion of the second set of produce grippers. The opposing produce grippers are configured to compress and exert a force on the produce to hold the produce between the movable first and second belts.

Abstract: Wrapper leaves of a harvested produce can be removed using a leaf removal apparatus. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The method of using the leaf removal apparatus includes feeding a harvested produce onto a conveyor; transporting the harvested produce on the conveyor towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus; and contacting the harvested produce with a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, and the stripping roller.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, is a method for sanitizing produce, by: treating the produce with a catholyte solution for a period of time sufficient to sanitize the produce; treating the produce with a solution containing chlorine for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce; and treating the produce with a solution containing peroxyacetic acid for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce, where treating with the catholyte solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid yields at least an additional 1 log unit reduction in microbial load, as compared to produce treated with a single solution selected from the catholyte solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid.

Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing produce, by: treating the produce with a chlorine dioxide solution for a period of time sufficient to sanitize the produce; treating the produce with a solution containing chlorine for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce; and treating the produce with a solution containing peroxyacetic acid for a period of time sufficient to further sanitize the produce, where treating with the chlorine dioxide solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid yields at least an additional 1 log unit reduction in microbial load, as compared to produce treated with a single solution selected from the chlorine dioxide solution, the solution containing chlorine, and the solution containing peroxyacetic acid.

Abstract: Produce with a core planted in a field can be harvested and decored using a mechanical harvester. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The method includes moving the mechanical harvester through the row in the field; positioning the produce in the ground using the positioning apparatus; severing a substantial portion of the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground using the decoring device; lifting the produce from the ground; and transporting the produce to a processing unit or a storage unit using the transport assembly.

Abstract: A mechanical berry harvester and a method for harvesting berries in the field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a framework, collectors, spring elements, pulleys and belts. The collectors are configured to collect berries fallen from branches of the berry bush. Each spring element is connected to the framework and a collector. Each pulley is connected to a spring element and a collector. Each belt has an inner face and an outer face, and the inner faces of the belts are in contact with the pulleys. When the trunk of a berry bush comes in contact with a portion of the adjacent belts, the spring element(s) connected to the portions of the adjacent belts in contact with the trunk are each configured to independently compress and create a gap between the adjacent belts.

Abstract: A system for reducing metal and product-in-seal contamination in a package of produce product is provided. The system includes a tube and a flapper gate assembly. The flapper gate assembly is connected to the top of the tube, and includes a pivot and a flapper gate. The pivot is positioned outside the tube. The flapper gate is positioned inside the tube and is connected to the pivot. The flapper gate is configured to regulate product flow in the tube by rotating around the pivot when the pivot is rotated.

Abstract: Lettuce can be commercially packaged in the field using a wrap that has a body with an opening, and an elastomeric portion around the opening. The elastomeric portion of the wrap is stretched wide enough to place the head into the wrap. The head is placed into the body of the wrap, and the stretched elastomeric portion is released. The relaxed elastomeric portion holds the wrap around the head.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: Lettuce can be commercially packaged in the field using a wrap that has a body with an opening, and an elastomeric portion around the opening. The elastomeric portion of the wrap is stretched wide enough to place the head into the wrap. The head is placed into the body of the wrap, and the stretched elastomeric portion is released. The relaxed elastomeric portion holds the wrap around the head.

Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.