A PACKAGE FOR PERISHABLE FOOD AND HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS

摘要

An improved package 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 placing the container in contact with a cooling element partially surrounding the container. The cooling element may hold liquid which is evaporated to enhance the cooling. 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. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collar being placed in an outer box or other receptacle. The modified atmosphere package may be sealed and palletized prior to vacuum cooling.