Natural clay-based composition for reducing produce rot and extending shelf life

Overview

This solution is a specially selected composition of natural clay intended to reduce post-harvest decay and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The formulation creates a protective barrier that preserves taste, sugars, and vitamins in stored produce. In validation trials, treated beets retained their quality for 9 months with no detectable rot and no loss of taste, sugars, or vitamins. Treated apples similarly showed no rot over a 9-month period, though overripe fruits experienced some taste loss, indicating that harvest timing is a critical factor for optimal results. The product is positioned as a natural, non-toxic alternative for post-harvest preservation suitable for use across the fresh produce supply chain.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Natural clay composition with no synthetic additives
• Effective preservation of taste, sugars, and vitamins in stored produce
• Validated on beets and apples, with no traces of rotting observed over 9 months
• Versatile application methods: aqueous spray, dust, or powder
• Suitable for root vegetables and fruits when applied at the correct harvest stage
• Ongoing research to optimize application timing, particularly for fruits that should be treated while unripe and allowed to ripen in storage

Technology readiness level

The technology has completed initial proof-of-concept validation on two produce types (beets and apples) over a 9-month storage period. Results confirm effectiveness in preventing rot and preserving nutritional quality. Further validation is planned to refine harvesting timing recommendations, especially for fruit applications where unripe fruit treated at harvest ripens successfully under clay protection. The solution is ready for expanded pilot trials and field testing across additional fruit and vegetable varieties.