Hazel Cherry
Hazel Technologies Inc., a USDA-funded company developing new shelf-life extension technologies for fresh produce, has launched a new post-harvest technology for fresh cherries that ensures excellent fruit quality, called the Hazel Cherry.
Cherry packers in the Pacific Northwest successfully piloted the technology, a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe packaging insert that is placed in the box during packing, in the 2018 season. Cornell University further validated the performance of the technology in a month-long study. Hazel® Cherry helps protect stem quality, reduce pitting, and reduces probability of decay in commercial fresh cherry varieties.
Traditionally, cherries are one of the most difficult produce items to maintain with excellent quality, but due to their high value in global markets they are exported heavily. Stem quality, pitting, and decay are challenges that fresh cherry packers and shippers consistently face. Following the 2018 season, fresh cherry packers reported improved quality when using Hazel Cherry. Additionally, Cornell University, in a July and August 2018 study, found improvements in pitting, decay, and stem quality with Hazel Cherry versus a control group.
“Our study showed using Hazel Cherry compared to an untreated control can result in better stem quality, lower decay, and lower rate of pitting in the ‘Royal’ cherry variety” said Cornell University Professor Chris Watkins. The Cornell University study lasted 33 days and the trial results were statistically significant.
The product has been well received by farmers trying out the new technology in the Pacific Northwest. “We are constantly looking for the newest technologies to help ensure the highest level of quality,” said Deidre Baumgarten, manager of Oregon-based Polehn Farms. “In 2018, we used Hazel Cherry on our export grade cherries and had excellent quality arrivals in Asia.”
For the upcoming 2019 season, further academic trials studying Hazel Cherry are planned and industry interest has steadily grown,.“We are grateful for the partnership of our trial partners in the Pacific Northwest and look forward to continued adaption and success for packers and retailers using Hazel Cherry in their supply chains,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO and Co-Founder of Hazel Technologies, Inc.
For more information, please visit www.hazeltechnologies.com