Photocatalysts may help preserve pumpkin freshness! Caltech and Hokkaido agricultural organizations demonstrate spoilage reduction effect
With the cooperation of the Hokkaido Agricultural Organization, Caltech Co., Ltd. installed a photocatalytic sterilization and deodorization device in a test refrigerator and investigated the decay status of pumpkins every two weeks. As a result, after 14 weeks, the rate of genuine products in the storage facility without the device was 100%.※ 1 Compared to the 26.7% of the original product, the installed storage facility had a high product rate of 70%, which is about 2.6 times higher, and it was also possible to suppress odors (gases) inside the storage facility and reduce airborne bacteria.
We will continue to strive to maintain the freshness of the produce that producers have painstakingly cultivated, and to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
*1 Remaining rate of genuine products that are in good condition and can be displayed in stores as is
■ Pumpkin rot status results
*Harvested on September 3, 2024, then air-dried (25°C, 60% RH, 14 days) and stored. The storage was divided into two storage areas: one without photocatalyst (control area) and one with photocatalyst (test area), and the results over 14 weeks were graphed.
▶Click here for equipment used