Patent ID: 9295266
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: A23B,A23L,A23V,B65B,B65D

Claim Text:
1. A process for substantially prolonging the storage life of clusters of grapes while attached to stems with the maintenance of quality for their intended use, comprising: (a) exposing said clusters of grapes with precooling in an ambient air atmosphere at a reduced temperature of 32 to 34° F. to diminish the respiration rate of the grapes, (b) enclosing said clusters of grapes in an ambient air atmosphere within an enclosure bounded by a thermoplastic semi-permeable film having a thickness of approximately 2 to 6 mm and an oxygen transmission rate of approximately 260 to 325 cm (c) introducing carbon dioxide into said ambient air atmosphere of said enclosure to yield a carbon dioxide concentration within said enclosure of approximately 13 to 18 percent by volume, and (d) placing said resulting enclosure containing said clusters of grapes in a storage zone for at least 60 days at a temperature of approximately 32 to 34° F. to achieve a substantially prolonged grape storage life with the maintenance of quality for their intended end use including the maintenance of grape flavor, green pliable stems, and grape firmness and attractive appearance.