Method for preserving food using a preservative gas atmosphere

摘要

Food is preserved by placing it in an atmosphere which includes ethanol and one or more volatile aliphatic acids. Suitable volatile aliphatic acids include those aliphatic acids having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. A liquid mixture consisting essentially of ethanol and from 0.01 to 20 volume percent aliphatic acid(s) is placed in a sealable container for evaporation to provide the preserving atmosphere. Contact between the liquid mixture and food placed within the sealable container is avoided by placing the liquid mixture of ethanol and aliphatic acid(s) on a suitable absorbent or within a suitable liquid impermeable-gas permeable container.