Have you ever wondered how you can go to the grocery store and find fresh fruit or vegetables no matter what time of year it is? Instead of waiting for peak season, you can enjoy crisp apples or juicy strawberries whenever you like. But how does produce stay fresh in the store, and how long does produce stay fresh once it’s stored?
The answer has to do with nitrogen food preservation. When fruits and vegetables are harvested at a certain time of year, there is a short window of freshness in which to enjoy them. When exposed to oxygen in the air, produce quickly starts browning and softening. Oxidation causes them to spoil. So, farmers and food distributors use nitrogen gas to keep the oxygen out. This preserves the food, keeping it fresh naturally for months.
Nitrogen Food Preservation Methods
There are multiple ways nitrogen is used to preserve food. Some of the most common ways are Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for packaged foods like chips and salad mixes, and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage for items like apples, pears, and berries.
CA is used in large-scale produce storage facilities where fruit and vegetables are sealed in immense chambers. As the name suggests, the humidity and temperature are controlled, and the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen. Nitrogen is poured into the chambers, replacing the oxygen found in ambient air. The absence of oxygen is what causes food to maintain its freshness for longer periods of time.
Can Nitrogen Be Used to Preserve Food?
We know that exposure to oxygen can cause food to spoil. But how does nitrogen increase shelf life and preserve food exactly? Nitrogen is safe for food, as it already makes up about 78% of the air we breathe. Increasing the levels of nitrogen in the air forces out oxygen and moisture, prohibiting certain reactions that cause spoilage. Mold and bacteria need oxygen to survive just as we do, so cutting off their oxygen supply prevents their growth.
But it’s not just these microbial activities that make preservation by nitrogen possible. Oxygen causes several processes including biological ripening and chemical oxidation, which all result in quicker browning, softening, and rancidity over time. CA storage also includes a cooler temperature to prevent heat, humidity, and light from degrading fruit. All of these create a stable environment for produce to maintain their freshness and allow them to be sold in stores throughout the year.
The Switch to Industrial Nitrogen Generators
While most facilities rely on gas cylinder delivery for their nitrogen needs, more are turning to on-site industrial nitrogen generators. Relying on gas delivery means trusting that the correct amount of nitrogen cylinders is delivered on time and also trusting that the delivery company is charging a fair price. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Most operations don’t even know how much they’re really spending when they are locked into contracts with suppliers.
With industrial nitrogen generators, gas is continuously produced on-site and can be monitored by touchscreen controls or even remotely. NOVAIR’s NITROSWING® generators show the levels of gas purity, pressure, and flow rate to ensure the desired results are achieved. Conditions of the storage chambers are easy to control, with any adjustments being made from the generator.
For long-term storage or large facilities, producing nitrogen on-site is a cheaper and more reliable alternative to constant nitrogen bottle deliveries. A generator clears up space from cylinder storage, and cuts delivery and bottle costs.
Conclusion
Nitrogen is often what makes it possible to eat a strawberry in the winter or an apple in the spring. By replacing oxygen in the environment, nitrogen extends freshness and maintains the quality of the fruits and vegetables we love. On-site nitrogen generation allows efficient and effective produce storage and preservation while reducing operational costs.
About NOVAIR USA Corporation
NOVAIR USA, a member of NOVAIR Groupe, is headquartered in North Tonawanda, New York, USA, in-between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. The company is the leading global manufacturer of quality American-made systems. These include oxygen generators, nitrogen generators, gas separation systems, and med gas solutions. NOVAIR USA equipment produces 93% +/-3% oxygen concentration, as well as 90% to 99.999% nitrogen concentration. It helps fill cylinders for first responders and others that save lives. For those companies seeking to boost industrial output with economical, eco-friendly solutions, these gases are imperative.
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