Packaging for storage of perishable items

Abstract

Described herein are packaging (e.g., containers) and methods for storing perishable items. The containers can include a plurality of openings that cause a reduction in the in-package relative humidity. The perishable items can be coated with a protective coating to prevent moisture loss from produce during storage. The perishable items can be coated prior to storage in the packaging or after being placed in the packaging. The container and coatings therefore allow the perishable items to be stored at lower relative humidity (e.g., lower than industry standards for shipment and storage, or lower than about 90% relative humidity), which can help delay the growth of biotic stressors such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and/or pests.

1 .- 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A container configured for storage of perishable items, comprising:
 an enclosure comprising a rigid or semi-rigid structure and a lid, the rigid or semi-rigid structure comprising a first opening therein, and the enclosure comprising a plurality of second openings, wherein the rigid or semi-rigid structure and the first opening collectively have a first area, and the plurality of second openings collectively have a second area; wherein   the first opening is sufficiently large to allow any of the perishable items which the container is configured to store to be able to pass through;   the lid covers the first opening when the container is in a closed state;   the enclosure and the plurality of second openings completely surround a region in which the perishable items are stored;   each of the second openings is sufficiently small to prevent any of the perishable items which the container is configured to store from being able to pass through; and   a ratio of the second area to the first area is greater than 0.002.   
     
     
         50 . The container of  claim 49 , wherein the perishable items which the container is configured to store comprise harvested produce. 
     
     
         51 . The container of  claim 49 , wherein the openings are substantially rectangular, circular, or oval. 
     
     
         52 . A container having a plurality of perishable items stored therein, the container comprising:
 an enclosure having a first area, the enclosure comprising a material structure having a plurality of openings therein, wherein the plurality of openings collectively have a second area; wherein   each of the perishable items is covered with a protective coating that reduces a mass loss rate or a respiration rate of the perishable item;   the enclosure completely surrounds a first region in which the perishable items are stored;   each of the openings is sufficiently small to prevent any of the perishable items from being able to pass through; and   a ratio of the second area to the first area is greater than 0.002 and less than 0.9.   
     
     
         53 . The container of  claim 52 , wherein the perishable items comprise one or more types of harvested produce. 
     
     
         54 . The container of  claim 53 , wherein the harvested produce is cut or sliced. 
     
     
         55 . The container of  claim 54 , wherein the protective coating is not naturally occurring on any of the perishable items. 
     
     
         56 . The container of  claim 55 , wherein the protective coating is substantially odorless or tasteless. 
     
     
         57 . The container of  claim 52 , wherein the protective coating is formed from a coating agent comprising at least one of fatty acids, esters, and salts. 
     
     
         58 . The container of  claim 57 , wherein the coating agent comprises monoacylglycerides. 
     
     
         59 . The container of  claim 58 , wherein the protective coating has a thickness less than about 5 microns. 
     
     
         60 . The container of  claim 52 , wherein the perishable items comprise produce, and the protective coating is formed over a cuticular layer of the produce. 
     
     
         61 . The container of  claim 52 , wherein the perishable items occupy at least 25% of the volume of the first region. 
     
     
         62 . The container of  claim 52 , wherein the container is configured such that during a time that the perishable items are in the first region continuously for at least 12 hours, a relative humidity in the first region is less than 80%. 
     
     
         63 . A method of storing a plurality of perishable items, comprising:
 providing the perishable items in a container, wherein the container comprises an enclosure having a first area, the enclosure comprising a rigid or semi-rigid structure and having a plurality of openings therein, wherein the plurality of openings collectively have a second area; and   storing the perishable items in the container; wherein   each of the perishable items is covered with a protective coating that reduces a mass loss rate or a respiration rate of the perishable item;   the enclosure and the plurality of openings completely surround a first region in which the perishable items are stored;   each of the openings is sufficiently small to prevent any of the perishable items from being able to pass through; and   a ratio of the second area to the first area is greater than 0.002.   
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the perishable items comprise one or more types of harvested produce. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the harvested produce is cut or sliced. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein while the perishable items are being cooled, a relative humidity in the first region is less than 80%. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein the protective coating is not naturally occurring on any of the perishable items. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the perishable items occupy at least 25% of the volume of the first region.