Abstract: A method for obtaining a cured pickle stock without subjecting the pickle stock to conventional fermentation processes. The pickle stock is immersed in a curing liquid and then subjected to alternative vacuum and pressure treatment steps. A cured pickle product is produced having the desired translucent appearance.

Abstract: Evaporation devices and associated methods for introducing humidity into an atmosphere. The evaporation device includes a substantially rigid shell encasing an absorbent material and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air flow between the exterior and interior of the shell. The absorbent material can be a natural or synthetic sponge capable of absorbing and retaining water. After applying water to the evaporation device, it is placed in an environment to which humidity is to be introduced. Evaporation of water can be enhanced by placing a mixture of aspirin and sodium bicarbonate on the absorbent material. Examples of methods for using the evaporation device include placing the evaporation device in produce bins, produce refrigerators, cheese and meat refrigerators, and containers of dry foods, such as cookies and brown sugar.

Abstract: A controller for use in a system employing selective permeable membrane technology to maintain a controlled atmosphere within a refrigerated container. The controller is electrically interfaced to an oxygen and carbon dioxide sensing device which is disposed within the container and capable of withstanding severe enviromental conditions to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container. The controller maintains present levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container and is adapted to calibrate the carbon dioxide and oxygen sensing devices as well as check for proper operation of the sensing devices and default to safety conditions when a failure is detected. The controller is further adapted to control the atmosphere maintenance system in a manner adapted not to increase the peak power requirements of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact-sized reservoir with small power consumption. It suppresses possible oxidation of articles and growths of putrefactious aerobic organisms such as bacteria, fungi and the like, by storing the articles under an atmosphere of reduced oxygen concentration created by an oxygen pump device which makes use of an oxygen ion-conductive film. In a case of storing foods, the disclosed reservoir makes their long-term storing possible. The reservoir in accordance with the present invention uses an oxygen pump device provided with an oxygen ion-conductive electrolyte film and a pair of electrodes formed on the both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Techniques for melting and forming aerosols from solid CIPC are disclosed. Solid CIPC in block form is convenient to ship and to handle. Solid CIPC in block form appears to have a consistency of solid paraffin wax. Solid CIPC is melted by controlled techniques to form a substantially pure liquid stream of CIPC. The molten or liquid stream of CIPC is converted to an aerosol of CIPC either by a pressurized, hot air stream or by a combustion gas stream.

Abstract: A method and a container for long-term storage in a state in which harmful insects do not propagate, in a case in which grains such as unpolished rice or the like are filled and stored. An inner bag (10) made of a flexible material is accommodated in an outer bag (12) which has high-strength. After grains are filled in the inner bag, the inner bag (10) is filled with carbon dioxide gas and is closed. The grains are stored in a state in which harmful insects are exterminated. It is preferable from the standpoint of the insecticidal effect that the inner portion of the inner bag (10) is able to maintain a carbon dioxide gas concentration of 40% or more for 7 days or more. Because the inner bag has the property of a CO.sub.2 permeation amount of less than or equal to 6300 cc/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hr 1 atm, an oxygen-deficient state can be maintained.

Abstract: A method for increasing aroma and reducing fungal growth in vegetables and fruits is described. The method uses hexanal in a controlled atmosphere to treat the harvested fruit. The method has been found to be particularly effective for Penicillium sp. and Botrytis sp.

Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.

Abstract: Packaging of fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials, makes use of an atmosphere-control member comprising a gas-permeable membrane and an apertured cover member over the membrane. The combination results in a control member having a ratio of CO.sub.2 transmission rate to O.sub.2 transmission rate which is lower than the same ratio for the gas-permeable membrane. This is particularly useful for materials which are preferably stored in an atmosphere containing a relatively high proportion of CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A system for controlling the atmosphere in the container comprising a membrane separation apparatus to separate nitrogen and a second separation apparatus, adapted to separate carbon dioxide and water vapor from a gas mixture in the container. The separated nitrogen is returned to the container, as is at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and water vapor, so as to produce and/or maintain a pre-determined atmosphere composition within the container thereby to prevent spoilage of perishable products within the container.

Abstract: Olive oil with a high polyphenols content and a low bitterness is obtained by exposing olive oil to an emulsified water phase which exhibits enzymatic debittering activity and/or by emulsifying with a water phase with a high polyphenols content and evaporating the water phase.

Abstract: This invention describes the transient incorporation of CO.sub.2 gas into fruits and vegetables so as to enhance their flavor. The fruits and vegetables are exposed to a strongly CO.sub.2 environment for a specified amount of time and within a specific temperature range. After this exposure the foodstuffs so exposed will have incorporated some of the CO.sub.2 to which they were exposed to and develop a more effervescent and/or tangy flavor through the uptake of the CO.sub.2 to form carbonic acid. This enhancement in flavor is a direct consequence of CO.sub.2 exposure.

Abstract: A fumigant which is effective for the control of postharvest disease in agricultural commodities utilizes carbon supports impregnated with natural volatiles to provide controlled release of the volatiles in storage containers and facilities. Activated carbon is an effective carbon support, while essential oils and benzaldehyde are useful natural volatiles.

Abstract: A fresh vegetable product having long shelf life is made from fresh vegetables which are cleaned and, if desired, peeled and/or subdivided, and contacted with a chemical mixture of the invention. The chemical mixture may include sodium acid pyrophosphate, calcium chloride, citric acid, potassium sorbate and, optionally, L-ascorbic acid. If the fresh vegetables are susceptible to discoloration upon exposure to air, e.g., peeled potatoes, the chemical mixture also includes sodium bisulfite in relatively small amounts. The contact of vegetables with air is minimized and preferably prevented during the process of the invention. The resulting fresh vegetable product has low sulfite content and is suitable for immediate consumption or further processing (such as cooking) without additional preparation.

Abstract: Techniques for melting and forming aerosols from solid CIPC are disclosed. Solid CIPC in block form is convenient to ship and to handle. Solid CIPC in block form appears to have a consistency of solid paraffin wax. Solid CIPC is melted by controlled techniques to form a substantially pure liquid stream of CIPC. The molten or liquid stream of CIPC is converted to an aerosol of CIPC either by a pressurized, hot air stream or by a combustion gas stream.

Abstract: A preservation device for preserving a partially eaten portion of a fruit or vegetable having a skin and at least one exposed surface includes a pair of arms. Each arm extends in a longitudinal direction and has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The arms are pivotally connected to each other for movement of the distal portion between an open position for engaging the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion and a closed position where the at least one exposed surface of the partially eaten fruit or vegetable portion is engaged with the preservation device. A flat plate is carried by the arm in the distal portion of the arm. The flat plate extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm and is adapted to engage the exposed surface of the fruit or vegetable for preservation purposes.

Abstract: The invention is a produce bag that permits fumigation of the contained product but effectively prevents product moisture loss. The bag is perforated on one major surface only, the other surface being left imperforate. The perforations on the other surface provide from 0.35-2.0% open area on this surface. Perforations are preferably in the range of 0.12-0.18 inches in diameter and 50 or more are typically needed. When filled with produce, a single layer of filled bags is placed in a corrugated shipping container. The imperforate surface of the bag is placed downward in contact with the shipping container to prevents moisture loss to the container.

Abstract: A method for packaging fruits and vegetables, where a fruit or portion of a fruit, or a vegetable or a portion of a vegetable are packaged forming a wrapped product for transport or storage, the wrapped product having an open surface area of at least two-percent. The method comprises perforating a shrinkable film having a pre-shrunk size and a shrunken size with a plurality of apertures so that the apertures are spaced at selected positions on the pre-shrunk size of shrinkable film. The fruit or the vegetable is then enclosed in the pre-shrunk size of the shrinkable film so that when the pre-shrunk size is converted to the shrunken size, the shrunken size film forms a tight enclosure around a portion of the fruit or vegetable, such as a crown portion, and has a girdle of apertures around an open area of the fruit or vegetable, such as a stem area.

Abstract: Methods and containers for preserving a product such as a respiratory product having an internal vapor pressure. The product is placed into an enclosure, and the enclosure is sealed and pressured with appropriately humidified air or other suitable oxygen containing gas to a positive pressure with respect to ambient pressure to provide a vapor pressure greater than or at least equal to the internal vapor pressure of the product. The volume of the product in relation to the volume of the enclosure and the pressure are such that the enclosure has free air space sufficient to prevent the onset of an anaerobic condition for substantially the storage period of the product assuming the enclosure is maintained approximately at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of packaging plant materials. The plant materials are packaged in a perforate polymeric film, the film being of a polymer having a water vapor transmission rate and an oxygen transmission rate which improve the shelf lives of the packaged materials. The film is selected so that the water vapor transmission rate is substantially that inherent to the film, and the oxygen transmission rate is controlled by the size and/or frequency of perforations in the film. Typically the perforations will have a mean diameter of not more than 100 microns, and preferably from 40 to 60 microns. The frequency of perforations will usually be not more than 1000 per square meter, although at least 10 per square meter will usually be required.

Abstract: A controller for use in a system employing selective permeable membrane technology to maintain a controlled atmosphere within a refrigerated container. The controller is electrically interfaced to an oxygen and carbon dioxide sensing device which is disposed within the container and capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container. The controller maintains preset levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container and is adapted to calibrate the carbon dioxide and oxygen sensing devices as well as check for proper operation of the sensing devices and default to safety conditions when a failure is detected. The controller is further adapted to control the atmosphere maintenance system in a manner adapted not to increase the peak power requirements of the system.

Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A ripening room for controlled ripening of produce includes a chamber defined by a ceiling, a floor, and a plurality of walls connecting the ceiling and the floor. The chamber is configured to receive two rows of boxed produce that are spaced apart from each other to define an interstitial volume therebetween. Each row of produce is proximate and spaced apart from one of the walls to define a side airspace therebetween. The ripening room also includes an air control system for transferring air between the side airspaces and the interstitial volume and controlling the temperature of the transferred air. The side airspaces and the interstitial volume are generally enclosed to inhibit airflow therebetween except for airflow through the air control system and through openings in the produce boxes.

Abstract: A container for Kimchi includes a receptacle body and a detachable cap for the body. An underside of the cap carries a filter for removing Kimchi odors, an air vent extending from the filter to the exterior of the cap, and a microporous membrane extending across an outlet of the vent.

Abstract: A package and a method are disclosed for preserving freshness of produce using a corrugated fiberboard composed of an outer liner having a carbon dioxide permeability coefficient Pco.sub.2 of greater than 5.times.10.sup.-10 cm.sup.3 (STP)cm/cm.sup.2 .multidot.s.multidot.cmHg at a temperature of 27.degree. C.; a corrugating medium; and an inner liner having a water-vapor transmission rate of less than 100 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.day at a temperature of 27.degree. C. The end parts of the corrugated fiber board which are exposed to an outer surface of the package are substantially sealed with a seal tape. A wrapping paper covered at least on one surface thereof with a resin layer which contains therein less than 0.917 g/cm.sup.3 density of a copolymer of ethylene and .alpha.-olefin having a carbon number of 3 to 12, having a carbon dioxide permeability coefficient of greater than 8.times.10.sup.-10 cm.sup.3 (STP)cm/cm.sup.2 .multidot.s.multidot.cmHg, a permeability coefficient ratio Pco.sub.2 /Po.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of ensiling fodder made by combining fresh or wilted silage material with solid carbon dioxide while utilizing the essential conditions for homofermentative lactic acid fermentation, which are known in themselves and the basic parameters of which can be monitored. The solid carbon dioxide is added in an amount of 0.5 to 20 kg per ton, preferably 1 to 3 kg per ton, according to a principle of distribution that gives priority to the zones of the silo most endangered by oxygen in the air, in particular the marginal zones. The fermentation process must take place with an amount of silage material large enough to be little affected by the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A combination comprising a bunch of tomatoes on-the-vine contained in a closed wrapping is provided for retail sale to a consumer. The tomatoes are wrapped without detaching each tomato from a common stem and a bunch of at least about 3 substantially ripe tomatoes are kept together. The wrapping advantageously has a cone shape and air openings to accommodate the bunch of tomatoes on-the-vine. The tomatoes are shipped from the grower to the consumer without damage from handling during packing and transportation using the present wrapping and shipping boxes having a bulb-like, cushioning layer of material simulating a lower layer of tomatoes.

Abstract: A method for extending the shelf life of harvested produce against decay and premature ripening includes initial cooling of the produce, and thereafter maintaining the produce at the reduced temperature and at high humidity during processing and storage and packaging to final shipment for consumption. Cooled water with preservative chemicals rinse the produce at initial processing to suppress the ripening process significantly. Subsequent temporary storage between processes and processing steps occur substantially at the reduced temperature and high humidity to maintain the produce in a state of reduced ripening activity. The harvested produce is cut up and sized for volume collection and temporary storage as infeed to combining and packaging processes as required. Prescribed amounts of selected produce are individually packaged and crated for shipment in cooled and humid cargo carriers to remote locations where shelf life against decay and premature ripening is significantly extended.

Abstract: Dehulled brown unmilled rice is exposed to ozone gas in an ozone and air gas mixture. The exposed brown rice is stored for at least a day to sufficiently affect the bran before subjecting the exposed rice to a typical milling process. The milling of the exposed brown rice results in reduced breakage and thus increased head rice yield to economically attractive levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for packaging fresh plants, by which the freshness of the fresh plants can be retained from the time they are shipped by producers, until the time they are consumed by consumers. By controlling the water vapor permeability, and oxygen and carbonic acid gas transmission rates of a film, a package of fresh plant suitable for non-airtight or airtight packaging, a packaging material useful for such a package, and a method for retaining the freshness of fresh plants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a hybrid field production method which employs preserved pollen and a pollen bank for breeding purposes. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of employing stored pollen in hybrid field production instead of employing pollen producing plants in the production field.

Abstract: A preproofed, uncooked dough is provided with improved storage stability. The dough product is packaged in a sealed package and stored at a temperature of less than about 45.degree. (7.degree. C.) and, if the package contains headspace, a substantial portion of the gas therein is the same as the leavening gas, carbon dioxide, and the dough also contains a polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sweet potato that is individually packaged after curing for market and actual cooking. After the sweet potato has been harvested, cleaned and cured, it is then individually packaged by wrapping a heat-shrinkable plastic film around the potato. The wrapped potato is then subjected to heat and the plastic film is heat-shrunk around the entire sweet potato and forms a tightly bound plastic film around the entire sweet potato. This plastic film protects the sweet potato during transport and preserves the quality of the sweet potato for an extended time period. Lastly, the individually wrapped sweet potato is ready for immediate microwaving while contained within the same heat-shrunk plastic wrap.

Abstract: A method for uniformly controlling the ripening of bananas and other perishable products from harvest to delivery, wherein a combination shipping and ripening container having an internal volume capable of receiving and maintaining a controlled atmosphere is provided. Freshly harvested, unripened perishable products are loaded into the container and cooled to a holding temperature in a range of from about 57.degree. to about 70.degree. F. Once the products are stabilized at the desired holding temperature, a controlled atmosphere including ethylene is preferably substantially immediately provided to the internal volume to uniformly initiate ripening of all of the loaded products. Once ripening has been initiated, the ethylene is reduced within the internal volume by displacement with a low oxygen controlled atmosphere, which is maintained within the container during storage, transportation, and delivery procedures.

Abstract: A nitrogen generation control system and method are provided for controlling levels of nitrogen and oxygen in a controlled atmosphere within a container for perishable goods. The nitrogen generation control system has a nitrogen generator that controllably generates an amount of nitrogen, while releasing oxygen as an off gas. The nitrogen is injected into the container to create a controlled environment. A sample analyzer subsystem is connected to the container to extract a sample of gases from the controlled environment and analyze the oxygen content. The control system further includes a cascaded, dual control loop controller coupled to the nitrogen generator and sample analyzer subsystem. The controller has a nitrogen generation control loop to control the amount of nitrogen generated by the nitrogen generator in response to variation between the oxygen released during nitrogen generation and a reference amount of oxygen.

Abstract: The new invention proposes a new method and an apparatus for the preparation of cereal for milling. Before conditioning, the grain is cleaned in a first dry stage and a second moist or wet stage, and the main quantity of water is added before or during the second stage, the grain for the moist or wet cleaning being in intermediate storage for 1 to 120 minutes. Preferably a continuously operating scouring machine is used for the dry cleaning as well as for the moist or wet cleaning, the grain being forcibly conveyed from the inlet to the outlet by conveying means and processed by areas of noses arranged alternately with the conveying means, and the material abraded by the scouring is repeatedly separated out with the rotational movement of the rotor.

Abstract: Refrigerated dough packaging method includes packaging the dough in a package having a pressure release valve associated with a flange to substantially prevent the expanding dough from interfering with the gas venting abilities of the package.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a consumer with an inexpensive and reliable device for controlling ethylene gas for plantstuffs. The device is a sealed, air tight package which contains a gas permeable envelope containing ethylene absorbing chemicals. A consumer peels a seal off of the airtight packaging thereby allowing the chemical reagents to be exposed to the atmosphere within the container in which the ethylene producer is situated. Only upon initial activation by the consumer does the reaction take place. The system is simple, reliable, inexpensive and disposable.

Abstract: A controller for use in a system employing selective permeable membrane technology to maintain a controlled atmosphere within a refrigerated container. The controller is electrically interfaced to an oxygen and carbon dioxide sensing device which is disposed within the container and capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container. The controller maintains preset levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container and is adapted to calibrate the carbon dioxide and oxygen sensing devices as well as check for proper operation of the sensing devices and default to safety conditions when a failure is detected. The controller is further adapted to control the atmosphere maintenance system in a manner adapted not to increase the peak power requirements of the system.

Abstract: The shelf-stability of carrot root material is enhanced by blanching the material, milling it, and then subjecting it to a decreasing pressure which is sufficiently rapid to cause rupturing of the cell walls of contaminating organisms in the product. The latter is effected by passing the product through a homogenizing valve (20). The treated product is then packaged by an aseptic packaging machine (22), to keep it from re-contamination by contaminating organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and instrument for the preparation of pollen and the development of a pollen bank for breeding purposes. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and instrument that permits pollen to be cryogenically stored in a viable state. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of employing a heat or water or pressure related measurement to determine the readiness of the pollen for cryogenic storage.

Abstract: A protein-polysaccharide complex composition is prepared by admixing a water-soluble polysaccharide with a substantially water-insoluble protein in an alcohol/water solution. In the recovered complex the water-insoluble protein impregnates or coats the water-soluble polysaccharide without affecting the beneficial properties of the polysaccharide and protein.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of applying a hydrogel coating to embryonic plants to improve early plant growth by controlling the amount of cross-linking. A dry coating of a water-soluble hydrogel in powder form is built up around individual embryonic plants. The powder-coated plants are introduced into a water bath which is free of polyvalent metal ions to partially hydrate the coatings. Rapidly thereafter and before the coatings are fully hydrated, the bath is modified by dispersing cross-linking polyvalent metal ions therein. The contact time of the coated plants in the modified bath is limited so that the polyvalent metal ions diffuse into the coatings and form an inwardly decreasing concentration gradient therein. The plants are separated from the modified bath so that the polyvalent metal ions are redistributed and equilibrated within the coatings. The resulting coatings are in a uniform partially cross-linked condition which promotes leaf emergence and plant vigor.

Abstract: A packaging method and package for preserving cherries using a low barrier plastic film to provide them with a long shelf life is described. The low barrier plastic film has a gas permeability of at least 80 cc O.sub.2 and 490 cc CO.sub.2 per mil per 100 square inches per day at 25.degree. C. and 760 mm HI. Both high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene films having a thickness in the range of 0.0006 to 0.003 inch are used in examples for packaging bags. However other low barrier film plastics can be used including polypropylene The bags are provided with one or more small perforations to adjust their gas permeability. After cooling the cherries to about 36.degree. F. they are deposited in the bags. The bags are partially evacuated to remove about one half the air and an injection gas of at least 30% CO.sub.2 and the balance N.sub.2 is injected to fill the bag which is then heat sealed. As a result, a residual protective gas of about 4-13% 0.sub.2, 4-14% CO.sub.2 and balance N.sub.

Abstract: A container system for the shipping and storing of product such as bananas, comprising: (a) a substantially rigid outer container having at least one ventilation opening; (b) a closable inner container positioned within the outer container receiving the product, the inner container having a bottom portion and a top portion; and (c) means attached to the top portion of the inner container for opening the inner container so as to provide increased ventilation to the product. The inner container preferably comprises a flexible bag having a sealed bottom as its bottom portion, an open top adjacent the top portion, and a perforation extending about at least a portion of the bag, so that the opening means opens the bag by severing the bag at the perforation. The opening means may comprise a cord attached to the top portion of the bag. A method of packing, shipping and storing product utilizing this container is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing surface discoloration caused by white blush development on fresh and minimally processed vegetables and fruits due to dehydration

Abstract: Refrigerated dough packaging has a pressure release valve associated with a flange to substantially prevent the expanding dough from interfering with the gas venting abilities of the packaging.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a process for improvement of stored fresh market fruits such as peaches, plums and nectarines by retarding mealiness, dryness and internal breakdown. Peaches in particular are routinely stored at 0.degree. C. to prevent softening. Unfortunately, "chilling injury" occurs in peaches, plums and nectarines stored by this conventional technique which can result in insurance claims, litigation and general consumer dissatisfaction. The invention comprises five steps for the transshipment thereof that results in enhanced fruit quality. This process is particularly suitable for imported fruits from overseas where transshipment by boat is required. The process can also be used to improve the quality of domestic fruits held for late-season "market window" sales.

Abstract: A refrigerated container is provided which has a refrigeration system and a controlled atmosphere system. The refrigeration system and the controlled atmosphere system are both provided with electronic controllers. The refrigeration controller is programmed with certain acceptable conditions under which the controlled atmosphere system will be allowed to operate. When these conditions are satisfied the refrigeration controller will send an enabling signal to the controlled atmosphere systems controller allowing it to operate. If at any time during operation the refrigeration controller determines that the controlled atmosphere system should not operate, it removes the electrical enabling signal, causing the controlled atmosphere system to stop.

Abstract: An improved method is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by heat transfer to a cooling element, which may involve the evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein.