What are the main ingredients of commonly used fruit and vegetable preservatives?
Ethylene absorbent
It can inhibit respiration and prevent post-ripening aging. It is mainly composed of a potassium permanganate carrier, such as vermiculite, pumice, bentonite, calcium peroxide, aluminum, silicate, or iron, zinc, etc., mixed with potassium permanganate solution in a certain proportion.
Carbon dioxide absorbent
It regulates the carbon dioxide content, mainly including activated carbon, small lime, magnesium chloride, etc. In addition, carbon molecular sieve can absorb both ethylene and carbon dioxide.
Growth regulators
Substances with physiological activity on plant growth (plant hormones) and chemical agents that can regulate or stimulate plant growth can regulate the physiological activity of fruits and vegetables. They mainly include auxins (such as 2,4—D, gibberellin (AG3), cytokinins, etc.), growth inhibitors (such as B-nine, maleic hydrazide, chlormequat, etc.), waxes and coating agents, etc.
Oxygen absorbent
It absorbs oxygen, reduces the oxygen content, and inhibits the growth of oxygen-consuming microorganisms. It is mainly composed of ascorbic acid, bisulfite, some metals such as iron powder, etc.
Antiseptic and bactericidal agents
Chemical or natural antibacterial agents are used to prevent the growth and reproduction of mold and other contaminating bacteria, mainly including borax, sodium sulfate, sorbic acid and its salts, propionic acid, o-phenylphenol (HOPP), dichloran (PCNA), captan, dichlofluanid, etc. The most commonly used is sodium o-phenylphenate (SOPP), whose main function is to prevent pathogens from invading the fruit and to kill microorganisms on the surface of fruits and vegetables.
Moisture regulators
Regulate moisture appropriately, including steam inhibitors, dehydrating agents, etc. Usually, methods of applying moisture evaporation inhibitors and anti-condensation agents in plastic film packaging are used for regulation. For example, sodium polyacrylate can release the moisture it has captured to regulate humidity when the humidity inside the bag decreases.