Methods of preserving plant material

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB95/00569 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 9, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 9, 1996 PCT Filed Mar. 16, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/24828 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 21, 1995The invention provides a method of making preserved plant material having the color and texture of fresh plant material and substantially free from curling or distortion, the method comprising the step of immersing the plant material in an aqueous solution comprising from 40% to 95% by weight of one or more C3-C6 dihydric alcohols at a temperature of from 60 DEG C. to 95 DEG C. The dihydric alcohols preferably comprise a major fraction of propylene glycol. The immersion is preferably carried out for from 5 to 90 minutes at a temperature of from 65 DEG to 85 DEG C. The aqueous solution may also contain dehydrating alcohols and/or polyethylene glycol. The aqueous solution of the dihydric alcohols exchanges for aqueous sap and juices in the plant material, e.g. cut green foliage or cut flowers, without changing the color or texture of the material.