US20220041366A1 - Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items - Google Patents
Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items Download PDFInfo
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- US20220041366A1 US20220041366A1 US17/346,401 US202117346401A US2022041366A1 US 20220041366 A1 US20220041366 A1 US 20220041366A1 US 202117346401 A US202117346401 A US 202117346401A US 2022041366 A1 US2022041366 A1 US 2022041366A1
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- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 235000021487 ready-to-eat food Nutrition 0.000 title description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 8
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title description 5
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 240000008415 Lactuca sativa Species 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 235000003228 Lactuca sativa Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 235000021485 packed food Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 36
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 36
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 18
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- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000012045 salad Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 19
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 14
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 14
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 14
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 abstract description 13
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 abstract description 13
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- 241000208822 Lactuca Species 0.000 abstract description 9
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/08—Materials, e.g. different materials, enclosed in separate compartments formed during filling of a single container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
Definitions
- This invention relates to packaged, fresh, ready to eat foods.
- the invention concerns a cylindrical container for holding food items.
- the container comprises a cylindrical sidewall surrounding a central space for receiving the food items.
- the sidewall defines an opening at a first end.
- a bottom is attached to a second end of the sidewall opposite to the first end.
- a gas permeable membrane covers the opening and is attached to the sidewall to promote and extend freshness and edible life of the food items.
- a lid covers the membrane and is removably attached to the sidewall.
- the sidewall is cylindrical and the opening has a diameter equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter.
- food items within the container may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces.
- the food items may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat fruits.
- one or more inert gases are contained within the central space of the container.
- the inert gases may include carbon dioxide or nitrogen or combinations thereof. Further by way of example, the gases may comprise residual oxygen contained within the central space.
- the inert gases comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0% to 40% by volume.
- the inert gases comprise nitrogen over a range from 60% to 100% by volume.
- the gases may have a gas content from 0.5% to 20% oxygen by volume.
- the inert gases may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume.
- the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to the container.
- the gas permeable membrane may have a permeability such that the ready to eat food items maintain freshness from 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged ready to eat food items.
- the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that the food items maintain freshness for at least 10 days.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items with the lid removed from the container;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of preparing a packaged salad according to the invention.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of packaged, fresh food items, in this example a salad 10 according to the invention. It is understood that the invention is not limited to salads, but is applicable to a wide range of food items, salads being used herein by way of example.
- the example packaged salad 10 comprises a container 12 and a plurality of food items 14 positioned within a central space defined by the container.
- the food items primarily comprise fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces as well as fresh, ready to eat fruits.
- the plurality of food items 14 includes at least a salad dressing 16 positioned lowermost in the container 12 and a lettuce item 18 positioned uppermost in the container.
- the container 12 comprises a gas impermeable sidewall 20 and a bottom 22 . It is advantageous to form container 12 from a food grade polymer resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is resistant to breaking and can withstand repeated washings and sanitizing processes to allow reuse of the container.
- Sidewall 20 defines an opening 24 ( FIG. 2 ) oppositely disposed from the bottom. It is thought advantageous that the sidewall be cylindrical and the opening be equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter.
- a membrane 26 is attached to the container overlying and enclosing the opening 24 .
- the membrane comprises a gas permeable barrier film used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and may be formed of materials such as low density polyethylene, polyvinylchloride and polypropylene. Barrier films are appropriate because they can provide decreased permeability to moisture and oxygen and thereby preserve an atmosphere within the container 12 which delays oxidation and inhibits the growth of aerobic spoilage organisms when used with gas flushing techniques associated with modified atmosphere packaging.
- Membrane 26 advantageously has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space of the container and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to the container 12 . Furthermore, the membrane's permeability is such that the food items maintain freshness form 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged food items, such that the food items within the container maintain freshness for at least 10 days.
- an atmosphere of one or more gases is established within the container by drawing a partial vacuum within the container and then flushing the container with the gas or gases, which may be, for example, relatively inert gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and combinations thereof. Residual oxygen may also be within the container 12 .
- Practical atmospheres within the container may comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0%-40%, nitrogen over a range from 60%-100%, and oxygen over a range from 0.5%-20%.
- the atmosphere within the container 12 may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen. (All ranges are specified as a volume percentage.)
- a partial vacuum in a range between about 500 to 975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure is established within the container (with about ⁇ 600 millibars being thought advantageous).
- the container is then flushed with a gas or a mixture of gases comprising about 0% to 40% by volume carbon dioxide and about 60% to 100% by volume nitrogen, with about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume being thought advantageous.
- the gas flush is conducted at a pressure ranging from about 800 to 1013 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about ⁇ 950 millibars being thought advantageous.
- the container 12 is then sealed with the membrane 26 with the gas atmosphere within the container at the sub-atmospheric pressure.
- the gas pressure within the container after the container is sealed comprises oxygen over a range from about 5% to 10% by volume, carbon dioxide over a range of about 5% to 40% by volume and nitrogen over a range of about 67% to 95% by volume. Specific gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous.
- the packaged salad 10 may further comprise a lid 28 removably attached to the container overlying the opening 24 and protecting the membrane 26 .
- container 12 comprises a jar wherein opening 24 has substantially the same diameter as the bottom 22 .
- Other types of containers are of course feasible.
- the food items comprising the packaged salad 10 are further protected from spoilage by the order in which they are positioned within the container 12 .
- the dressing 16 be positioned lowermost within contain 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- a pickled vegetable item 30 may be positioned above the dressing 16 .
- a grain food item 32 and/or a pasta food item 34 may be positioned above the pickled vegetable item 30 .
- a raw vegetable item 36 and/or a cooked vegetable item 38 may be positioned.
- a protein item 40 may be positioned above the cooked/raw vegetable layers 36 and 38 followed by a cheese item 42 positioned beneath the lettuce item 18 which occupies the uppermost position within the container 12 .
- lettuce item as used herein is meant to cover a broad range of plant items including leaf lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, Boston, Bibb, kale, arugula, spinach, radicchio, endive and Frisee' as well as various cabbages such as green cabbage, Savoy, red cabbage, Napa, Bok Choi and Brussels Sprouts to cite some examples.
- the invention also encompasses a method of preparing a packaged salad.
- a method of preparing a packaged salad is shown in FIG. 4 and may comprise:
- the one or more gases may comprise nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof.
- the membrane may be a gas permeable membrane.
- the partial vacuum drawn within the container may be from about 500-975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about ⁇ 600 millibars thought advantageous.
- the gas flush is conducted at a pressure below standard atmospheric over a range of about 800-1013 millibars, with a pressure of about ⁇ 950 millibars being thought advantageous.
- the gas flush may comprise carbon dioxide over arrange from about 0% to 40% by volume, and nitrogen over a range from about 60% to 100% by volume. A gas flush mixture of about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume is thought advantageous.
- the gas content of the container may range from about 5% to 10% oxygen by volume, about 5% to 40% carbon dioxide by volume, and about 60% to 95% nitrogen by volume.
- a gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous.
- An example method according to the invention may further comprise positioning one or more additional food items within the container between the salad dressing and the lettuce item.
- the additional food items may comprise a pickled vegetable item, a cooked vegetable item, a raw vegetable item, a grain item, a pasta item, a cheese item, a protein item and combinations thereof.
- FIG. 4 illustrates that a method may also include:
- packaged salads 10 according to the invention will provide appetizing meals which, under constant refrigeration, will last for at least 10 days without the formation of undesirable levels of bacteria or significant change in appearance of the contents. Furthermore, the packaging of the container contents, complete and without any intervening packaging or structure internal to the container is expected to contribute to the convenience of use, as preparation of the salad merely requires that the jar be shaken before opening to properly intermingle the contents.
Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/061,957, filed Aug. 6, 2020, which application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- This invention relates to packaged, fresh, ready to eat foods.
- While pre-packaged, ready to eat foods are a great convenience, such foods do not necessarily equate to a healthy meal comprising high quality ingredients as these factors are often sacrificed for ease of packaging, shelf life and transport considerations. Furthermore, unless the packaged food is frozen, it has a relatively limited shelf life even when refrigerated. There is clearly an opportunity to provide packaged, fresh, ready to eat foods having an extended shelf life which provide a healthy meal using fresh ingredients of the highest quality.
- In one aspect, the invention concerns a cylindrical container for holding food items. In an example embodiment, the container comprises a cylindrical sidewall surrounding a central space for receiving the food items. The sidewall defines an opening at a first end. A bottom is attached to a second end of the sidewall opposite to the first end. A gas permeable membrane covers the opening and is attached to the sidewall to promote and extend freshness and edible life of the food items. A lid covers the membrane and is removably attached to the sidewall. In a specific example embodiment the sidewall is cylindrical and the opening has a diameter equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter.
- By way of example, food items within the container may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces. In a further example embodiment, the food items may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat fruits.
- In an example embodiment, one or more inert gases are contained within the central space of the container. The inert gases may include carbon dioxide or nitrogen or combinations thereof. Further by way of example, the gases may comprise residual oxygen contained within the central space. In a specific example, the inert gases comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0% to 40% by volume. In a further example, the inert gases comprise nitrogen over a range from 60% to 100% by volume. Also by way of example, the gases may have a gas content from 0.5% to 20% oxygen by volume. In another example embodiment, the inert gases may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume.
- In an example embodiment of the container according to the invention the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to the container. Further by way of example, the gas permeable membrane may have a permeability such that the ready to eat food items maintain freshness from 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged ready to eat food items. In an example embodiment, the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that the food items maintain freshness for at least 10 days.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items with the lid removed from the container; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of preparing a packaged salad according to the invention. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of packaged, fresh food items, in this example asalad 10 according to the invention. It is understood that the invention is not limited to salads, but is applicable to a wide range of food items, salads being used herein by way of example. The example packagedsalad 10 comprises acontainer 12 and a plurality offood items 14 positioned within a central space defined by the container. Generally, the food items primarily comprise fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces as well as fresh, ready to eat fruits. In this example the plurality offood items 14 includes at least asalad dressing 16 positioned lowermost in thecontainer 12 and alettuce item 18 positioned uppermost in the container. - The
container 12 comprises a gasimpermeable sidewall 20 and abottom 22. It is advantageous to formcontainer 12 from a food grade polymer resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is resistant to breaking and can withstand repeated washings and sanitizing processes to allow reuse of the container.Sidewall 20 defines an opening 24 (FIG. 2 ) oppositely disposed from the bottom. It is thought advantageous that the sidewall be cylindrical and the opening be equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter. As further shown inFIG. 2 , amembrane 26 is attached to the container overlying and enclosing theopening 24. The membrane comprises a gas permeable barrier film used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and may be formed of materials such as low density polyethylene, polyvinylchloride and polypropylene. Barrier films are appropriate because they can provide decreased permeability to moisture and oxygen and thereby preserve an atmosphere within thecontainer 12 which delays oxidation and inhibits the growth of aerobic spoilage organisms when used with gas flushing techniques associated with modified atmosphere packaging.Membrane 26 advantageously has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space of the container and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to thecontainer 12. Furthermore, the membrane's permeability is such that the food items maintainfreshness form 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged food items, such that the food items within the container maintain freshness for at least 10 days. - During packaging, an atmosphere of one or more gases is established within the container by drawing a partial vacuum within the container and then flushing the container with the gas or gases, which may be, for example, relatively inert gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and combinations thereof. Residual oxygen may also be within the
container 12. Practical atmospheres within the container may comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0%-40%, nitrogen over a range from 60%-100%, and oxygen over a range from 0.5%-20%. In a specific example embodiment, the atmosphere within thecontainer 12 may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen. (All ranges are specified as a volume percentage.) - In a practical example, a partial vacuum in a range between about 500 to 975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure is established within the container (with about −600 millibars being thought advantageous). The container is then flushed with a gas or a mixture of gases comprising about 0% to 40% by volume carbon dioxide and about 60% to 100% by volume nitrogen, with about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume being thought advantageous. The gas flush is conducted at a pressure ranging from about 800 to 1013 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about −950 millibars being thought advantageous. The
container 12 is then sealed with themembrane 26 with the gas atmosphere within the container at the sub-atmospheric pressure. In the practical example described above the gas pressure within the container after the container is sealed comprises oxygen over a range from about 5% to 10% by volume, carbon dioxide over a range of about 5% to 40% by volume and nitrogen over a range of about 67% to 95% by volume. Specific gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous. The packagedsalad 10 may further comprise alid 28 removably attached to the container overlying theopening 24 and protecting themembrane 26. In anexample embodiment container 12 comprises a jar wherein opening 24 has substantially the same diameter as thebottom 22. Other types of containers are of course feasible. - The food items comprising the packaged
salad 10 are further protected from spoilage by the order in which they are positioned within thecontainer 12. In the example salad, it is advantageous that thedressing 16 be positioned lowermost within contain 12 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 . Above thedressing 16, a pickledvegetable item 30 may be positioned. Above the pickled vegetable item 30 agrain food item 32 and/or apasta food item 34 may be positioned. In the next higher layer araw vegetable item 36 and/or a cookedvegetable item 38 may be positioned. Aprotein item 40 may be positioned above the cooked/raw vegetable layers 36 and 38 followed by acheese item 42 positioned beneath thelettuce item 18 which occupies the uppermost position within thecontainer 12. The term “lettuce item” as used herein is meant to cover a broad range of plant items including leaf lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, Boston, Bibb, kale, arugula, spinach, radicchio, endive and Frisee' as well as various cabbages such as green cabbage, Savoy, red cabbage, Napa, Bok Choi and Brussels Sprouts to cite some examples. - As can be imagined, the number and variety of food items which can form a packaged
salad 10 according to the invention leads to a large number of potential salad combinations. As a practical matter however, appetizing salads can be organized (although not limited) into four broad profiles depending on the food items positioned between the salad dressing and the lettuce item. The four example profiles are: - I. Vegetable/Grain or Pasta/Cheese;
- II. Vegetable/Cheese/Protein;
- III. Vegetable/Protein/Grain or Pasta; and
- IV. Vegetable/Protein/Grain or Pasta/Cheese.
- Research has furthermore shown that there is an optimum relative content of the ingredients for each of these profiles which leads to an appetizing salad which is expected to have a maximum shelf life when refrigerated. The relative content for each salad profile is present below.
- I. Vegetable/Grain or Pasta/Cheese
-
Item Content Range (% wt) Favored Value (% wt) Salad Dressing 12-18 14 Lettuce Item 16-19 18.5 Vegetable Item 8-38 30 Grain/Pasta Item 20-45 26.6 Cheese Item 8-11 10.9 - II. Vegetable/Cheese/Protein
-
Item Content Range (% wt) Favored Value (% wt) Salad Dressing 14-20 19 Lettuce Item 16-19 18.5 Vegetable Item 30-40 38 Protein Item 14-17 16.3 Cheese Item 8-11 8.2 - III. Vegetable/Protein/Grain or Pasta
-
Item Content Range (% wt) Favored Value (% wt) Salad Dressing 14-20 14.7 Lettuce Item 16-19 16.7 Vegetable Item 14-16 14.7 Grain/Pasta Item 30-40 39.2 Protein Item 14-17 14.7 - IV. Vegetable/Protein/Grain or Pasta/Cheese
-
Item Content Range (% wt) Favored Value (% wt) Salad Dressing 14-20 14.5 Lettuce Item 13-17 13.5 Vegetable Item 14-16 16 Grain/Pasta Item 30-40 34 Protein Item 14-17 14 Cheese Item 8-11 8 - The invention also encompasses a method of preparing a packaged salad. By way of example, a method of preparing a packaged salad is shown in
FIG. 4 and may comprise: -
- positioning a salad dressing in a gas impermeable container having a bottom and an opening oppositely disposed from the bottom;
- positioning a lettuce item in the container at a position above the salad dressing;
- drawing a partial vacuum within the container;
- flushing the container with one or more gases; and
- sealing the opening with a membrane (44).
- The one or more gases may comprise nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof. Advantageously for extended shelf life, the membrane may be a gas permeable membrane. As noted above, in a practical example, the partial vacuum drawn within the container may be from about 500-975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about −600 millibars thought advantageous. Further by way of example, the gas flush is conducted at a pressure below standard atmospheric over a range of about 800-1013 millibars, with a pressure of about −950 millibars being thought advantageous. The gas flush may comprise carbon dioxide over arrange from about 0% to 40% by volume, and nitrogen over a range from about 60% to 100% by volume. A gas flush mixture of about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume is thought advantageous. After the container is sealed, the gas content of the container may range from about 5% to 10% oxygen by volume, about 5% to 40% carbon dioxide by volume, and about 60% to 95% nitrogen by volume. In a practical example, a gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous.
- An example method according to the invention may further comprise positioning one or more additional food items within the container between the salad dressing and the lettuce item. The additional food items may comprise a pickled vegetable item, a cooked vegetable item, a raw vegetable item, a grain item, a pasta item, a cheese item, a protein item and combinations thereof.
- Further by way of example,
FIG. 4 illustrates that a method may also include: - positioning the cheese item between the lettuce and the cooked vegetable item or the raw vegetable item or the pickled vegetable item (46);
- positioning the grain item or the pasta item between the raw vegetable item or the cooked vegetable item and the salad dressing (48);
- positioning the protein item between the cheese item and the cooked vegetable item or the raw vegetable item or the pickled vegetable item (50); and
- positioning the pickled vegetable item between the grain item or the pasta item and the salad dressing (52).
- It is expected that packaged
salads 10 according to the invention will provide appetizing meals which, under constant refrigeration, will last for at least 10 days without the formation of undesirable levels of bacteria or significant change in appearance of the contents. Furthermore, the packaging of the container contents, complete and without any intervening packaging or structure internal to the container is expected to contribute to the convenience of use, as preparation of the salad merely requires that the jar be shaken before opening to properly intermingle the contents.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/346,401 US20220041366A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-06-14 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
EP21183064.1A EP3950529A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-07-01 | Packaged ready to eat fresh food items and method of packaging fresh ready to eat food items |
EP23196533.6A EP4269273A3 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-07-01 | Packaged ready to eat fresh food items and method of packaging fresh ready to eat food items |
CA3127058A CA3127058A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-08-04 | Packaged ready to eat fresh food items and method of packaging fresh ready to eat food items |
US18/311,019 US20230303304A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2023-05-02 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202063061957P | 2020-08-06 | 2020-08-06 | |
US17/346,401 US20220041366A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-06-14 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/311,019 Continuation US20230303304A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2023-05-02 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220041366A1 true US20220041366A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 |
Family
ID=76744657
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/346,401 Abandoned US20220041366A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2021-06-14 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
US18/311,019 Pending US20230303304A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2023-05-02 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/311,019 Pending US20230303304A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2023-05-02 | Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items |
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US (2) | US20220041366A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP4269273A3 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3127058A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040151812A1 (en) * | 2003-01-28 | 2004-08-05 | Chiquita Brands, Inc. | Method of preserving fresh perishables |
US20190322415A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2019-10-24 | Gerry Gersovitz | Multi-compartment container |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5692634A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1997-12-02 | Weirton Steel Corporation | Rigid packaging using gas-permeable membrane |
US5730311A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1998-03-24 | Tenneco Packaging Inc. | Controlled atmosphere package |
US6245368B1 (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 2001-06-12 | Made-Rite Sandwich Company Of Chattanooga, Inc. | Pre-assembled sandwich bulk packaging and method of sale |
CA2334108A1 (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 1999-12-09 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Individual portion food delivery system, container and method |
US20050147718A1 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2005-07-07 | David Watzke | Food container barrier |
US20040200844A1 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-14 | David Watzke | Dual chamber salad container |
US20070059406A1 (en) * | 2005-09-14 | 2007-03-15 | Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. | Food package having separate gas atmospheres |
-
2021
- 2021-06-14 US US17/346,401 patent/US20220041366A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2021-07-01 EP EP23196533.6A patent/EP4269273A3/en active Pending
- 2021-07-01 EP EP21183064.1A patent/EP3950529A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2021-08-04 CA CA3127058A patent/CA3127058A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-05-02 US US18/311,019 patent/US20230303304A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040151812A1 (en) * | 2003-01-28 | 2004-08-05 | Chiquita Brands, Inc. | Method of preserving fresh perishables |
US20190322415A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2019-10-24 | Gerry Gersovitz | Multi-compartment container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4269273A3 (en) | 2024-02-21 |
EP4269273A2 (en) | 2023-11-01 |
CA3127058A1 (en) | 2022-02-06 |
EP3950529A1 (en) | 2022-02-09 |
US20230303304A1 (en) | 2023-09-28 |
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