Edible films made from fruit and vegetables that add flavour and keep producefresh may be the future, according to new research presented during the 2000International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies being held inHonolulu, HI. The report claims that film wraps made from broccoli, oranges,carrots, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables can be tasty?oxygenbarriers.

Tara McHugh, Ph.D., a research food technologist with the U.S.Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in Albany, CA,described the technology, including specific findings, such as how an applewrap can significantly extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apple slices. McHughsuggested that preformed sheets of the films could be made into envelope-likewraps. Other produce, baked goods, confectioneries and perhaps even meat wouldbe tucked inside. The USDA currently is looking to sign cooperative agreementswith industry to develop the technology further. Meanwhile, ARS has filed apatent and continues working on ideas for new applications.