‘Cling film spray’ gives avocados longer life

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly cling film alternative may slow down how quickly avocados turn brown.

Harvard University academics created a spray in a lab that covers the surface of stone fruit.

Their proof-of-concept is the first time a team has produced a one-step method where antimicrobial fibres can be spun and coated directly on to a fruit.

The fibres are made of pullulan, a naturally occurring sugar, and enriched with antimicrobial agents, such as thyme oil and citric acid.

Dr Demokritou, of Harvard School of Public Health, said: “This is part of a new generation of ‘smart’ and ‘green’ food packaging.”

The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study authors.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Food.