|
The Ethylene
Story
Ethylene gas (H2C=CH2)
is an odorless, colorless, gas that has gained
a lot of attention in the produce industry the
last few years. The understanding of its role
in the ripening and aging of produce is being
used to improve the quality of your food
supply. Through the proper control of
ethylene gas in the atmosphere, the produce
industry can deliver their product to your
grocer at its peak of goodness.
Ethylene may be produced from
natural sources, plant and plant products (i.e.
fruits, vegetables and floral products), or
from man-made sources, such as combustion.
As is so often the case, ethylene's effects on
produce was discovered by accident. For years
lemon growers had stored newly harvested green
lemons in sheds kept warm by kerosene heaters
until they turned yellow and ripened enough to
market. When new electric heating systems were
installed, the lemons no longer turned yellow
on time. Research soon found that the critical
factor in the ripening process was small
amounts of ethylene gas given off by the
burning kerosene in the heaters.
It is well known that many fruits produce
ethylene as they ripen. They use the ethylene
as a signal to other plants to synchronize
ripening so as to maximize their appeal to
their seed disseminators (e.g. birds), thus
assuring the dispersal of their seeds.
|
 |
Ethylene gas, harmless to humans,
accelerates the ripening and rotting of many
kinds of produce
|
Other plant tissues can produce this gas, as well.
Even after harvest, fruits, vegetables and flowers are
still alive, continuing their biochemical processes,
including ripening and the generation of ethylene.
Bruising or cutting some fruits and vegetables can
cause them to increase their ethylene production.
Ethylene’s role as a ripening agent for fruits and
vegetables is a double-edged sword. Besides being the
“ripening hormone”, ethylene is also known as the
“death hormone”. Its role in the ripening process does
not stop when you may want it to. As long as the
ethylene is present in the atmosphere around produce
the accelerated aging continues. Unless the produce is
consumed, or the ethylene removed, the produce
continues to age, wilt, spoil and rot.
Of course, when the produce in your refrigerator
releases ethylene, it has no place to go and
accumulates. So the spoilage effect of ethylene is
concentrated where you want it the least. The produce
industry has learned how to deliver their product in
perfect condition to your grocer. The lessons they have
learned may also be applied to your refrigerator.
The Ethylene Gas Guardian brings this technology
to your refrigerator.
|
