VATIS UPDATE Article

BotanoCap, an Israeli start-up has launched a new campaign on crowd funding platform Kickstarter, as it seeks finance its novel method of preserving fruit and vegetables for longer. A single patch of Phresh powder is designed to extend the shelf-life of various fruits – including apples, grapes, strawberries and tomatoes – as well as vegetables such as cucumbers, potatoes, aubergines, peppers and mushrooms. There are also plans to add other fruits and vegetables to the list of foods protected by Phresh.

Based on over 12 years of research from BotanoCap, Phresh’s powder is composed out of essential oils – natural preservatives created by plants such as oregano, spearmint, mustard oil, and others. Using a patented micro-encapsulation procedure, each grain of the powder extends the effect of the preservatives to over a month. The powder dissolves into the atmosphere and creates a protective shield that extends the life of the produce. The consumer initially places one of the powder sachets into one of three perforated Food Protectors, shaped as either an apple or a robot.

Each package supplied by Phresh contains 12 sachets, which is enough for one year’s use. Each Food Protector is equipped with an LED lamp that changes colour over time, reminding the user to change the powder once every one or two months. After that, the consumer places the Food Protectors near fruit or vegetables, in the fridge, fruit bowl or on the countertop, and the powder begins to protect the produce from decay. The Food Protectors product combines attractive design with high-end organic technology to increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables by three times and allow people to enjoy healthier foods for longer periods of time.