Packaging innovation and optimization for hydroponic spinach

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Minimally processed ready-to-eat fresh-cut vegetables have gained increased consumer acceptance because of their fresh attributes and end-use convenience. Riding on this consumer trend, the demand for spinach has increased considerably, reaching a farm-gate value of Can$6.4 million (Statistics Canada, 2011). In comparison, the import value of spinach is Can$108 million (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2013). These statistics show that there is a strong domestic growth potential for this crop. Durham Foods Limited (DFL) in Port Perry, Ontario, is the only commercial grower of hydroponic spinach in the North America that grows spinach in pesticide-, herbicide-, and fungicide-free environment. Hydroponically grown spinach is more tender and richer in flavour than the field grown counterparts. Moreover, hydroponic spinach has high safety, large yield, and no pest issues. However, their leaves are fragile and susceptible to mechanical damages during handling. Rapid loss of moisture and high respiration rate also contribute to rapid deterioration of the produce, causing the development of off-odour and tissue softening. Currently, DFL packages their hydroponic spinach in thermoformed poly(ethylene terephthalate) clam shell containers. The company is keen on developing an innovative packaging solution that is more environmental friendly and cost-effective that the existing package, while achieving a target shelf-life of 20 days. To this end, we will: (1) examine the barrier properties of the existing packaging hydroponic spinach; (2) develop experimental methods for quality assessment of hydroponic spinach; (3) determine critical factors that control the shelf-life of hydroponic spinach; (4) study the effects of temperature and physical abuses on quality of hydroponic spinach; (5) prototype new packages with optimal barrier properties; (6) evaluate package prototype on DFL's spinach under controlled and distribution environments. DFL will benefit from this project by producing high quality baby spinach with optimal shelf-life. The envisaged packaging will likely applicable to other ready-to-eat vegetables, indirectly benefiting other producers. Finally, the development of novel spinach/vegetable packages will also benefit the packaging