Abstract: A carbonation vessel comprising a container for holding a quantity of fruits or vegetables, an insert pan separating a lower space within the container from an upper space and having a gas vent for allowing gas to flow from the upper space to the lower space, a lid covering the upper space and a top opening of the container, a sealing member positionable between the lid and the top opening of the container, and at least one clamp for clamping the lid to the top opening of the container with the sealing member therebetween, thereby sealing the vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel can retain at least thirty pounds per square inch internal pressure. The internal pressure may comprise gaseous carbon dioxide generated in the upper space of the vessel by mixing sodium bicarbonate and citric acid with water, allowing sublimation of dry ice within the upper space, or other carbon dioxide gas generating means.

Abstract: A dynamic modified atmosphere package system providing a package comprising, according to one embodiment, a sealable container having a first interior space for holding a quantity of product and a second interior space separated from the first interior space, the sealable container configured so that a liquid is able to pass from the first interior space into the second interior space, the liquid becoming substantially trapped within the second interior space, and the sealable container configured so that a gas is able to vent from the second interior space into the first interior space. In one embodiment, the package is capable of providing a pressurized gaseous modified atmosphere for a quantity of product such as, for example, fresh-cut fruits or vegetables. In one embodiment, the package is capable of providing a pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere for carbonating or maintaining the carbonation of a quantity of fruits or vegetables.