Much of the research conducted on Omega-3s began when scientists studied the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s. While their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal and salmon, they suffered far less from certain diseases than their European counterparts. This led to the realization of Omega-3s and the potential health benefits they provide.

 
Consumers in 2004 expect to find a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables in their grocery stores, as well as exotic varieties of ice cream and other frozen products. If the produce or frozen goods aren't in premium condition, there's no sale. But, even as increasingly more technologically advanced refrigerated container equipment comes online, the biggest risk to perishable products continues to be human error.

Challenges of Shipping Ice Cream

 

Dr. Pat Brecht, president of PEB Commodities and expert in the container shipping industry, shared the realities of today's ice cream/frozen dairy shipping methods.

Shipping and Storage Simulation -

The Thermo King-funded research assistantship program at the University of Florida – Gainesville, in conjunction with Dr. Jeffrey Brecht, recently conducted sweet corn shipment simulations, to determine how this fragile commodity responded to various shipping environments both while in transit and post-transit.

 

Product Packaging is Key -

In the University of Florida sweet corn simulation, it was clear that packaging plays an important role in achieving a good end result, as it acts as a moisture barrier.

Genetics of Asparagus -

So what makes asparagus one of the most highly perishable commodities commonly handled in international marketing? According to Dr. Jeffrey Brecht, professor in post-harvest physiology and horticulture at the University of Florida - Gainesville, it has to do with the rapid growth of the shoot at harvest time.

 

From Air to Container to AFAM+ -

Given the unique genetics of asparagus, it is important to keep this commodity cooled to 2.5 degrees C (36.5 degrees F), hydrated and maintained at proper oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels during shipment to prevent discoloration.

 

University of Florida Graduate Assistantship Asparagus Test -

The Thermo King-funded research assistantship program at the University of Florida - Gainesville, in conjunction with Dr. Jeffrey Brecht, allows the testing of different commodities in a controlled environment that simulates actual container shipping using Thermo King's AFAM+ technology.

 

 

How the Program Works

The Science Behind the Test

Commodities Tested and Results Achieved

The Science of Shipping Lettuce -

According to Dr. Patrick Brecht, president of P.E.B. Commodities, lettuce, specifically the Iceberg variety, is an ideal candidate for AFAM+ technology because of its sensitivity to elevated CO2 levels and moisture loss.

Bananas 101- Unwanted Ripening Equals Unmarketable Fruit -

Why the natural ripening process of bananas make for difficulty in shipping.

 

Trial One: Maintaining an Optimum Container Environment -

Ecuadorian Lines, Inc. and Thermo King participated in a trial shipment of bananas from Ecuador to Antwerp, Belgium. The objective? To determine if Thermo King's AFAM+ and VFD technology helped improve post-harvest conditions.

Ship smarter -

 

Dr. Patrick Brecht, president of P.E.B. Commodities Inc., explains how to ship top-quality broccoli.

 

Better looking broccoli - The results.