Smart FreshSM

Long-term storage solutions for apples: The role of «Smart FreshSM»

For fruit growers focused on high-quality market supply, maintaining fruit firmness and visual appeal after cold storage is a top priority. «Smart FreshSM», manufactured by the US-based company «AilChem Ltd.», provides the necessary technology to pause biological aging processes in fruits immediately post-harvest.

Mechanism of action and benefits

The active ingredient, 1-methylcyclopropene, works by blocking ethylene receptors—the plant hormone responsible for maturation, over-ripening, and subsequent decay. Applying this treatment offers several key advantages:

• Preservation of the crisp texture, which often degrades after 3–4 months in storage.
• Prevention of physiological disorders common in long-term storage, such as apple scald.
• Reduction of weight loss and shriveling.

Operational use in the facility

Supplied as water-soluble granules, «Smart FreshSM» is designed for easy preparation and application. Tailored for apple crops, it ensures uniform coverage throughout the storage chamber. With a dosage of up to 1.00 L/tonne, it provides a cost-effective way to manage large volumes of produce while maintaining premium quality standards.

As a 4th-hazard class product, «Smart FreshSM» is manageable for staff to apply while following standard safety protocols. Its use is particularly vital for growers planning to supply retail chains during the winter and spring months, when the market demand for fresh, high-quality fruit is high and the financial risk of spoilage is at its peak.