Abstract: To control shelf life of package produce, a first produce is placed inside an inner gas-permeable package. The inner gas-permeable package is sealed, thereby creating a first package atmosphere inside the inner package. A second produce is placed inside an outer gas-permeable package. The sealed inner package is contained within the outer gas-permeable package. The outer gas-permeable package is also sealed, thereby creating a second package atmosphere inside the outer bag. The first package atmosphere controls the shelf life of the first produce, and the second package atmosphere controls the shelf life of the second produce. The produce inside each inner and outer bag may include one or more vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Abstract: A method treating commercial produce to reduce browning and improve marketable shelf-life, the method involves submerging produce, with tissue previously wounded during processing, in a liquid at a temperature between 95 F and 103° F. for 180 seconds or less at pressures ranging between 0.5 to 3 psig, and preferably at 1.5 psig; the produce is then removed from the liquid; submersed in chilled water to cool the produce; dewatered; and packed in an oxygen-controlled package for commercial sale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying produce in a centrifugal drier is described. The drier includes a housing and a drum configured to receive a multi-volume basket. The method includes loading produce into a first volume and a second volume of the multi-volume basket. The basket may include perforated walls, a closed lower end, and an open upper end. The interior volume of the basket is divided into at least a first volume and a second volume by a perforated inner divider that is oriented concentrically to the basket walls. The first volume is disposed inside the inner divider. The second volume is disposed between the inner divider and the basket walls. A drive assembly rotates the drum and the basket, loaded with produce in the first and second volumes, to cause fluids to drain out of the produce to yield dried produce.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying produce in a centrifugal drier is described. The drier includes a housing and a drum configured to receive a multi-volume basket. The method includes loading produce into a first volume and a second volume of the multi-volume basket. The basket may include perforated walls, a closed lower end, and an open upper end. The interior volume of the basket is divided into at least a first volume and a second volume by a perforated inner divider that is oriented concentrically to the basket walls. The first volume is disposed inside the inner divider. The second volume is disposed between the inner divider and the basket walls. A drive assembly rotates the drum and the basket, loaded with produce in the first and second volumes, to cause fluids to drain out of the produce to yield dried produce.