Resealable pouches to preserve freshness of cucumbers

Wholesum Family Farms recently launched its Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers snack packs using StePacPPC’s 3-in-1 patent-pending Xgo PAZ zipper pouches. The resealable stand-up pouches use flexible-film technology to optimise moisture and atmosphere control for maintaining the freshness of moisture-sensitive produce for up to 16 days.

There are several challenges in the cucumber supply chain that can limit the use of modified atmosphere packaging. Cucumbers are often packed and sold in laminated stand-up pouches, whose low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) restricts the release of excess moisture, creating conditions that accelerate microbial decay. To prevent moisture build-up, the packaging is often macro-perforated.

However, this sacrifices modified atmosphere, accelerates dehydration and shortens shelf life, and even with macro-perforations, there is likely to be condensation in the package. These issues become more pronounced when cucumbers cannot be sufficiently cooled before packing, are subject to unstable supply chains or are displayed at ambient conditions at the retailer before refrigeration in the consumer’s home.

The Xgo Modified Atmosphere (MAP) films work by incorporating three functions in one pouch: modified atmosphere, modified humidity and condensation control.

Wholesum now packs its mini cucumber snacks in Xgo pouches. Before commercial expansion, the company conducted 16-day shelf-life tests under simulated supply chain conditions. At day 16, the PAZ pouch delivered a 29 percentage-point advantage in overall quality for organic baby cucumbers compared with a top-seal alternative, and a 10 percentage-point advantage for organic mini cucumbers compared with traditional macro-perforated packaging. The improved performance was reflected in reduced moisture, decay and mould, together with better product visibility, appearance and overall quality.

“At Wholesum, we’re always looking for ways to remove barriers between consumers and fresh, healthy produce,” said Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager at Wholesum. “Excess moisture may seem like a small challenge, but it can have a significant impact on how consumers perceive freshness. Through our partnership with StePacPPC, we’ve been able to bring a solution that helps cucumbers maintain the clean, fresh appearance shoppers expect, creating a better experience and bringing more joy to healthy snacking.”

The pouches are suitable for extending the shelf life of a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, including exotic fruits such as lychee, pitaya, rambutan and longan. They are available in a range of sizes and feature a resealable closure.

Image: Supplied