NatureSeal, a vitamin- and mineral-based coating that extends shelf life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, is available to processors, food service operators, grocers and individual consumers through Westport, Conn.-based Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc.

Originally developed through a collaboration between Mantrose-Haeuser and scientists at USDA's Agricultural Research Service (see their article at ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2005/050428.htm), NatureSeal is now available in numerous product-specific varieties.  

Mantrose-Haeuser's website notes that the company "not only develop[s] formulations for the produce you process — we're there with you every step of the way, helping you to:

• establish quality specifications for incoming whole produce
• ensure your slicing and packaging equipment are optimally configured
• produce the finest quality cut fruit and vegetables possible."

The first NatureSeal formulation, NatureSeal for Apples, was jointly developed and patented with the USDA, creating a new market segment for the fresh-cut industry. Since then, Mantrose-Haeuser has developed an entire family of NatureSeal products that maintain the original flavor, freshness and crispness of a wide array of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

NatureSeal is available for the following fruits:

Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Coconuts
Honeydew Melon
Limes
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Pineapples
Plums
Tomatoes
Green and Red Grapes
Mangoes
Papayas
Strawberries
Star fruits

NatureSeal is available for the following vegetables:

Bell Peppers
Carrots
Celery
Lettuce (Romaine and Iceberg)
Mushrooms
Onions
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans (Cut Ends)

NatureSeal is developing formulations for the following produce:

Broccoli
Eggplant