Brief near-infrared flash keeps produce fresh by triggering plant defenses

Japan's iR Fresh technology from Shikoku Research Institute exposes harvested fruit and vegetables to a near-infrared flash around 850 nm for 0.1–0.2 seconds, triggering plant defenses that cut respiration and water loss. Irradiation units for sorting lines are made by Mitsui Kinzoku Keisokuki Ko, with 31 citrus facilities equipped as of FY2024.

• Wavelength is about 850 nm, with a 0.1–0.2 second pulse
• 31 citrus sorting facilities had the units as of FY2024
• JapanGov claims strawberries stayed mold-free 10 days, mandarins 20
• Patent JP6683338B2 covers the 800–1000 nm method