In a world that continually seeks innovative ways to enhance wellness and elevate taste experiences, a fascinating breakthrough has emerged – CBD-infused fruit coating. Picture biting into a succulent strawberry, a radiant burst of flavor mingling with the soothing properties of CBD, offering a holistic delight for both the senses and the body. This revolutionary marriage of two beloved realms, the natural wonders of fruits and the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), has set the stage for a new era of edible indulgence. Join us as we dive into the captivating world of CBD-infused fruit coating, unveiling its potential to transform our well-being and redefine the art of savoring nature's gifts.
Limit On Freshness
Before we dive into the world of CBD and explain how it can keep fruit fresh, let's first cover why these products lose their freshness in the first place. Fruit spoilage is a natural process influenced by various factors, primarily the presence of microorganisms, enzymatic activity, and exposure to air.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds are ubiquitous and can find their way onto the surface of fruits, especially if they are damaged or not properly handled. These microorganisms consume the fruit's nutrients and release waste products, leading to the breakdown of the fruit's cellular structure and the formation of unpleasant odors, flavors, and textures.
Enzymatic Activity
Enzymatic activity also plays a significant role in fruit spoilage. Fruits contain enzymes that are responsible for various biochemical reactions, such as ripening and softening. When fruits are harvested, these enzymes continue to function, accelerating the ripening process. This enzymatic activity can lead to changes in color, texture, and taste, ultimately resulting in the fruit's decay.
Exposure to Air
Exposure to air or oxygen is another critical factor in fruit spoilage. Fruits contain enzymes called polyphenol oxidases, which, when exposed to oxygen, can cause browning or discoloration of the fruit's flesh. Additionally, oxygen can promote the growth of aerobic microorganisms, further accelerating spoilage.
Additional Factors
Other factors that contribute to fruit spoilage include temperature, humidity, and physical damage. High temperatures can speed up enzymatic reactions and microbial growth, while low temperatures can slow down the ripening process but may not prevent spoilage indefinitely. Humidity can encourage the growth of mold, and physical damage to the fruit's skin provides entry points for microorganisms.
Proper storage and handling techniques, such as refrigeration, reducing exposure to air, and preventing physical damage, can help extend the shelf life of fruits. Additionally, advancements in fruit preservation methods, such as freezing, canning, and the use of preservatives, have been developed to minimize spoilage and allow us to enjoy fruits beyond their natural season.
What is CBD?
Now that we have covered why fruit spoils, we can start our dive into the world of CBD. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis, alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, unlike THC, CBD does not possess psychoactive properties, meaning it does not cause the "high" commonly associated with cannabis use.
CBD has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential therapeutic properties and its wide range of potential applications. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as mood, sleep, pain perception, immune function, and more. By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CBD may help modulate these processes and promote balance within the body.
CBD Fruit Coatings: A Study on Strawberry Spoilage
According to a recent study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers have discovered that CBD could potentially extend the shelf life of strawberries. Conducted by scientists from Thammasat University and Chulabhorn Research Institute in Thailand, the study aimed to explore the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of CBD to determine its effects on preserving fresh fruit.
In their experiment, the research team developed a solution by combining CBD isolate with biodegradable polymers commonly used for drug delivery, along with sodium alginate (a food additive) and water. Fresh strawberries were immersed in this CBD-infused liquid and subsequently treated with a bath of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride.
To evaluate the efficacy of the CBD coating, the coated strawberries were placed alongside untreated berries in an open plastic container within a refrigerator for several weeks. Remarkably, the CBD-treated strawberries exhibited significantly lower levels of decay compared to the non-treated ones. Additionally, the treated berries maintained better color and retained more of their original weight. The researchers tested various concentrations of CBD during the experiment, noting that higher amounts of CBD yielded the most favorable results.
This groundbreaking research provides compelling evidence that CBD-infused coatings may offer a promising solution for prolonging the freshness and quality of strawberries, potentially revolutionizing fruit preservation methods and reducing food waste.
How Does CBD Protect The Fruit?
CBD is renowned for its therapeutic properties, primarily its calming effects. However, recent studies have shed light on the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of this cannabinoid. Notably, research indicates that CBD exhibits inhibitory effects on various bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, as well as certain fungi responsible for fruit and vegetable decay, such as Aspergillus niger. These properties hold great promise for enhancing the storage of fruits and vegetables, but practical implementation has faced challenges. The oily nature of cannabinoids like CBD renders them immiscible in water, complicating their use in food preservation.
In recent years, the field of micro- and nanoencapsulation technology has emerged as an effective means of enhancing solubility for substances such as oils. CBD is no exception. Encouragingly, studies have demonstrated that encapsulated CBD nanoparticles exhibit improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared to regular CBD oil. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for harnessing the benefits of CBD in food preservation, offering a potential solution to overcome the solubility hurdle and maximize its effectiveness.
The Future of Fresher Fruit
As research continues to unveil the remarkable properties of CBD in preserving fruits and vegetables, the future holds exciting possibilities for revolutionizing food storage and reducing waste. From its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects to its enhanced solubility through encapsulation, CBD's potential as a natural food preservative is becoming increasingly evident. With further advancements in technology and formulation techniques, we may witness the integration of CBD-infused coatings or encapsulated nanoparticles in the near future, extending the shelf life of fresh produce and promoting a more sustainable approach to food preservation.
As we embark on this journey of harnessing CBD's power in the culinary realm, we eagerly anticipate a future where the union of cannabinoids and food preservation becomes a harmonious and fruitful endeavor.
Keeping CBD Fresh
Our products here at E1011 Labs may not work to keep fruit fresh, but we do guarantee fresh, full spectrum flower in our stelo™ and Ari53™ products. The flower pods come predosed and prefilled with premium-CBD rich hemp or infused flower in paper tubes designed to hold just the right amount while protecting the flower from the elements and loss of flavor. Once the pods are sealed they are packaged into paper boxes that were chosen because of their ability to limit exposure to air and light while the stelo and Ari53 are being shipped to you or stored before use. Properly re-sealing the box once opened helps your E1011 Labs products stay as fresh as possible before being used.
The stelo and Ari53 are designed to be used with our elon® heat-not-burn device. Instead of traditional combustion methods, the elon heats flower to the optimal temperature to create an inhalable vapor and release the cannabinoids and terpenes within the flower. By pairing our device with our flower pods, users can experience the benefits of cannabinoids from our stelo or find extra bliss with the infused flower in our Ari53.
New users can try out the device, along with two flavorings of their choice, with our Starter Bundle. Order one today to start your CBD journey and experience the future of flower with E1011 Labs!
