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BANANAS ARE TRICKY
- Bananas are probably the trickiest of fruits to store. They are shipped in after being picked green and stored in warehouses until sold. When sold they are treated so they will turn yellow and start to ripen. Once started, the ripening process cannot be stopped, only slowed down. If you place the fruit in your refrigerator the skin will turn black. If you leave them on the countertop they will begin to over-ripen in approximately 3 to 4 days. Bananas are a very high emitter of ethylene gas. Even the banana peel continues to emit ethylene gas after being peeled and discarded. PRODUCE FRESHIES™ Packets slow down this process by eliminating the ethylene gas from the surrounding air. The best way to store bananas is to place them in a breathable container or a brown paper bag along with a single PRODUCE FRESHIES™ Packet. The fruit can breath without excess ethylene gas build-up and will last in excess of 7 days!
- For additional information on how Freshies work please go to our "How it Works" page.
- See our charts below on producing and non-producing ethylene gas produce as well as which fruits and vegetables absorb more ethylene gas than others.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
Note: One would have to use scissors or other sharp object to open packet. If one does open the packet and exposes themselves to the Power Pellets, see below.
Eyes: Immediately wash with large amounts of water for 15 minutes.
Skin: Immediately wash with soap and water.
Ingestion: Give several glasses of water or milk. Seek medical attention.
Spills: Sweep up Power Pellets and place in any trash can.
HOW ETHYLENE GAS AFFECTS YOUR PRODUCE
Produce
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Aspargus
Avocados
Bananas
Berries
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cherimoya
Cherries
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Grapes
Kiwifruit
Lemons/Limes
Lettuce-Leafy Greens
Mangoes
Melons-CrenshawHoneyder/Persian
Nectarines
Onions/Garlic
Oranges
Papaya
Passion Fruit
Peaches
Pears-Anjou/Barlett/Bosc
Persimmons
Plums/Prunes
Potatoes-Processing/Seeds
Quinces
Tomatoes
Watermelons
FLORAL & NURSERY COMMODITIES
Carnations-Cut
Roses-Cut
Flower Bulbs
Nursery Stock
Rate of
Production
Sensitivity Level
Reaction to Ethylene Gas
Very High
High
High
Very Low
High
Medium
Low
Very Low
Very Low
High
Very Low
Very High
Very Low
Low
Low
Very Low
Very Low
Low
Very Low
Very Low
Medium
Medium
High
Very Low
Very Low
High
Very High
High
High
Low
Medium
Very Low
Low
Medium
Low
Very Low
Very Low
Very Low
Very Low
High
High
High
Medium
High
High
Low
High
High
Medium
Low
High
Low
High
Medium High
Medium
Low
High
Medium
High
High
High
High
Low
Medium
High
High
High
High
High
High
Medium
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
Scald-Lose Crunch
Decay
Decay
Toughness
Decay
Decay
Mold
Yellowing
Yellowing
Decay
Bitterness
Decay
Softening
Yellowing
Brown Spots
Mold
Mold
Decay
Mold
Russet Spotting
Decay
Decay
Decay
Odor/Sprouting
Mold/Rind Breakdown
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Sprouting
Decay
Shrink/Decay
Lose Firmness
Sleepiness/Leaf Curl
Premature Opening
Shrink/Retards Flower Formation
Slower Start
Produce Freshies™ Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
PRODUCT INFORMATION - DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Design-Accents, LLC
Corporate Office: # 888-887-7070
Q: How am I supposed to use these packets?
A: These are so easy to use and they will save you lots of money. Just drop as many as you like in the bins and on the shelves of your refrigerator and walk away. Taping them to the inside wall or bin works best so they don't get buried. No need for special plastic bags or containers that take up precious space in your fridge…and nothing to wash or dry.
Q: Is it OK if the sachet touches my food?
A: Yes. The ink on the packets as well as the packet paper itself are both FDA approved. If the packet gets wet, it could discolor your food, however. The Power Pellets inside the packets are Organic Material Review Listed, purple in color, but will not harm anything. You can tape the packets to the inside of your refrigerator bins if you choose. Please see Material Emergency and First Aid procedures included in the Instructions for Use that came with your order.
Q: What is inside the packet?
A: Active Ingredient is Potassium Permanganate. These Power Pellets absorb the ethylene gas that is naturally occurring in the air that causes fruits and veggies to ripen and spoil way too fast. Once absorbed and after about 3 months, the gas is converted to a water vapor, turning the Power Pellets into an organic fertilizer. Feel free to cut open the packet and sprinkle the Power Pellets in your herb garden, flower pots or any plant, lawn or tree!
Q: Is it OK to have a packet in my fridge where my meats and cheeses are:
A: Absolutely. The more you use the better. These powerful packets absorb odors and helps prevent molds, mildew and bacteria as well.
Q: What do I do if my packet has an opening and the pellets are falling out?
A: Good question. This could happen as the machines that cut and seal the large format paper into individual packets sometimes do not cut in the exact spot the pattern calls for. You can put the loose pellets back into the packet and simply tape the opening and use the packet. Or, you can toss the loose pellets in your plant or trash. If your hands are wet, the pellets will color your hand purple, but in no way will harm you or anything else as these pellets are Organic Material Review Institute listed (OMRI). Vinegar and water will help remove the stain if this should happen.
Q: Are these packets considered a "green" product?
A: Yes, the Power Pellets most definitely are a green product and totally environmentally friendly. They are OMRI listed (Organic Material Review Institute). Even our printed labels are printed with eco-friendly paper.
Q: Will the Packets work outside of refrigerator?
A: Yes. You can use them in your fruit bowl or on your counter if that’s where you store your fruit. You can also put them inside the foliage of your fresh cut flowers. They will help keep the petals from falling off too soon and the leaves from turning brown too soon. Simply place the packet amongst the greenery above the water line. You can cover your food and/or flowers with any breathable cover (paper towel OK) to isolate the large area of your room where ethylene gas is naturally occurring, if using the packet outside the fridge. This just means the packet does not have to absorb as much gas, therefore, will last longer. Pull the cover off when company comes over. Easy.
Q: If the Packet falls into the water of my flowers, what do I do?
A: You can either take the packet out and toss in the trash or leave it alone. You will notice a very pretty Easter Egg colored water though. Won’t harm a thing! Just place a fresh packet in the foliage and don’t worry about it.
Q: Where are the Produce Freshies Packets made?
A: Proudly in the USA.
Q: How long has this product been around?
A: Well over 25 plus years. This product has been and is still used every day commercially by growers, packers, shippers, grocers and florists all over the world. Thankfully, now, all of us can take advantage of this technology to save money and eat fresher.
Q: What happens if my child or pet somehow opens the Packet and eats the pellets that are inside?
A: The paper is of a very strong material that requires cutting to get open. However, we have actually done testing of this very same scenario and all you have to do is flush your system with lots of water or milk. One would have to ingest a huge amount to cause any real harm, and given that, we suggest you call your doctor or take them to an emergency room. Please see the Material Emergency and First Aid procedures included in the Instructions for Use that came with your order.
Q: Will Produce Freshies work with pre-packaged and cut lettuce, cabbage, salads, etc?
A: Yes. We suggest leaving the package partially opened, however, so Produce Freshies can absorb the ethylene gas your “live” vegetables are still emitting.
Q: How long will each Packet last?
A: At least 3 months while in use and up to 2 years if kept stored in any air tight container.
Q: When will I know it’s time to change my Packet?
A: With a marker pen, date your Packet the day you put it in your fridge, flowers or fruit bowl and after 3 months, replace with a new Packet. You can also date your Packet 3 months from the first use date.
Q: What if I don’t date my Packet, how can I tell if it is still working?
A: Easy. Cut open the Packet and look at the Power Pellets. If they are still purple in color, not grey, they are still working. Put them back in the Packet and tape it up and toss it back in the fridge, fruit bowl or flowers.
Q: Are there any special disposal requirements of the Packets?
A: Absolutely not. Just toss in any waste receptacle. Or, use the now ‘organic fertilizer’ for your house plants.
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