ASPARAGUS PACKAGING
The effects of different polymeric films used as punnet overwraps on the quality of fresh green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) were evaluated under conditions similar to those experienced during export by air to Japan, followed by 6 days of simulated marketing. Two perforated and two non-perforated films were used. After simulated marketing, unwrapped spears and spears wrapped with 4.1% perforated polypropylene (PY-30) film were unuseable while the market quality of spears packaged with 0.3% perforated polypropylene (PY-1), plasticised polyvinylchoride (PVC) and heat-shrink polyolefin (XDR) films was fair to good.
Non-perforated films produced a modified atmosphere inside the package. During simulated transit, the composition of the atmosphere in the PVC packages was 5–6% CO2 and 15–16% O2. In the course of simulated marketing, the composition equilibrated at 2–3% CO2 and 18–19% O2. Atmosphere modification was greater in the XDR film packages, being 14–15% CO2 and 4–5% O2 during simulated transport and 6–7% CO2 and 14–15% O2 after marketing. The major effect of pre-packaging in slowing deterioration was to reduce moisture loss. Further improvement in the quality of spears from non-perforated packages was attributed to modified atmosphere effects. Higher than normal levels of CO2 in the in-package atmosphere retarded pathogen growth, tip opening and, for XDR packaged spears, fibre development. PVC and PY-1 were the best films for pre-packaging fresh asparagus under the conditions described here. XDR is not recommended, as spears from some packages were injured by excessive CO2 accumulation or O2 depletion. PY-30 did not keep moisture loss to an acceptable level.
SOLID BOARD ASPARAGUS PACKAGING FOR TRANSPORT AND SALES
SOLIDUS SOLUTIONS has developed Small Portion Pack (SPP), a specific solid board concept for asparaugs packaging. The new SPP design, that can be used as transport as well as sales packaging, ensures that the delicate asparagus do not slide against each other during transport and that the vegetables are optimally presented in the store.
Fruit & vegetables
Asparagus packaging for transport
The new asparagus packaging helps with the protection of your product. The asparagus cannot move, therefore, cannot break inside the box. There is also sufficient space between the tip of the asparagus and the upper part of the SPP in order to protect the product anytime, also during the transportation process.
The asparagus remain fresh since it is possible to pack the asparagus in refrigerated rooms with curtains of mist. Our SPP, made of recycled solid board, is eminently suitable for cold and humid environments.
The Small Portion Pack (SPP) is can be set up manually and is easy to fill thanks to the “open close system” of the package. The packing process is therefore more environmentally conscious and more efficient compared to other packaging materials, such as corrugated board, which also requires an extra plastic bag to fill the box in a food-safe way.
Retail ready packaging (RRP)
Asparagus-Small Portion Packaging-Solidus-Solutions
The retail ready asparagus packaging (‘Retail Ready Packaging’) lead to a potentially higher turnover and lower costs in your logistics chain. By using the SPP, which is specifically produced for small quantities (1-2 persons), you make life easier for the consumer. In addition, profitability improves from the factory floor to the supermarket, by reducing costs in the supply chain and improving availability on the shelf.
This solid board packaging is also excellent to print with the highest quality printing techniques. The recesses at the top and bottom ensure good visibility of the asparagus and optimal product presentation.
Smart packaging for asparagus
Asparagus has never looked so good – or been so well protected
VPK asparagus box
For many years The Greenery, an international sales organisation specialising in fresh fruit and vegetables, handled asparagus in plastic crates. After customer feedback, they started looking for an alternative, more sustainable form of packaging. The new asparagus packaging, developed by Smart Packaging Solutions, is a perfect combination of functional requirements, improved quality performance, logistical efficiency and a beautiful design.
Functional and aesthetic packaging
What makes the new asparagus tray so unique is the integrated filling that prevents the delicate vegetables from sliding against each other during transport while allowing them to be presented at their best once in the store. In addition to the integration of the filling, the design has also been optimized. This makes the new packaging more practical on many levels and it provides more advertising options.
Asparagus packaging
Asparagus are the macadamia nuts among vegetables. Healthy, nutritious and above all delicious. Consequently, asparagus deserve luxurious and though-through packaging. Are you looking for smart asparagus packaging to boost sales? Read about the requirements of a suitable asparagus container.
Ask your question
Types of asparagus packaging
Containers, trays and punnets are among the different packing solutions when asparagus are concerned. Do you want something unique? Opt for a to-go carrier for fresh asparagus.
Choose suitable asparagus packaging
Do the asparagus have to be packed airtight?
How long is minimum shelf life?
Is packing done automatically or manually?
What are important requirements of your asparagus containers?
Does packaging offer options for brand experience and communication?
Cardboard packaging for your asparagus
Cardboard containers are an exemplary solution to boost asparagus sales at retail. Natural cardboard offers your product the organic appearance it needs to attract consumers. Moreover, asparagus perfectly fit together in a cardboard tray, sleeve or punnet. Finally, packaging can be closed by means of top seal, wrap film or cardboard lid in order to enhance consumer experience.
Benefits at a glance
Sustainable and tailor-made packaging for your asparagus
Specialist in environmentally friendly fruit and vegetable packaging
Facilitating partner who understands your mission and vision
Want to pack your asparagus?
Have you made a decision yet? If not, don’t worry. We’d love to provide you with more information and help you obtain the packaging you have in mind. We believe the sky is the limit, especially when it comes to heavenly asparagus.
FOR OWN BRAND AND CUSTOMISATION
Specialist in packaging and processing of fresh asparagus
Teboza has specialised in the packaging and processing of fresh white and green asparagus. Both large and small orders can be produced. Our production process is based on the customer’s wishes and aimed at an efficient, food-safe and swift processing of the asparagus. Asparagus harvested in the morning are ready for customer-specific shipment to customers throughout Europe, in the afternoon.
Our team is flexible ready to serve you seven days per week. Our modern automated packaging lines make Teboza very effective. This allows us to guarantee freshness and always be able to respond to seasonal effects.
The Teboza packaging and processing procedure is in compliance with all duties and requirements regarding hygiene and food safety. The Teboza quality system is leading in the asparagus sector.
Peeled asparagus
The asparagus is a delicious and easy to prepare vegetable, applied by customers in more and more dishes. Teboza makes it even easier for your customers by delivering peeled asparagus. Professional peeling machines ensure that the asparagus are peeled perfectly, ready to be cooked. Nice and easy!
Teboza’s freshly cut asparagus can be prepared easily, rapidly and best of all, they are very tasty. The flavour and freshness are optimally preserved due to swift and skilful cutting and packaging. Pre-heat the ingredients in a pan while stirring or use them to prepare a delicious asparagus soup!
GRADING & PACKAGING ASPARAGUS
Grading
The asparagus is then trimmed to remove any white or toughness at the base of the stem and graded by thickness. We grade and pack by thickness to ensure that it cooks perfectly evenly. The spears are graded using the latest camera imaging technology.
Packing
Our asparagus is predominantly bundled in 250g bunches, secured by rubber bands at the top and bottom of the bundle, finished with a branded wrap label with size and grade information. Sizes range from the thickest “Jumbo” (18mm+), through Extra Select (16-18 mm), Select (12-16 mm), Choice (8-12 mm) and Sprue (6-8mm). We also pack kitchen grade, which is mixed sizing 8-12 mm and 12-20 mm, and is just a little bit bent or slightly open-headed. Our graded asparagus can also be provided ‘loose’ in 3kg boxes. This is our standard and recognised packaging, but you can tell us exactly what you want and we can tailor our packing to your needs.
Transportation
We run our own refrigerated lorry, as well as using a reliable national refrigerated transport company who work from their base in Lincolnshire 7 days a week.
Storage
During the whole process, we ensure the temperature of our asparagus remains between 2° and 4°C to maintain its freshness. Once it has left our care, we ask customers to remember to store asparagus in a similarly cool place in order to enjoy it at its best.
Packing Asparagus
Once harvested, asparagus spears are highly perishable. They also continue to develop after harvest making cool chain management essential. Wet hessian bags or weights are often placed on the top of asparagus-filled crates to prevent the horizontally laid spears from bending upwards in search of light before packing. Full crates are sometimes passed through a pre-wash to loosen any dirt or debris and help reduce any field heat before packing.
Traditionally, asparagus was sorted and packed manually. However most growers now have computerised grading systems. The spears are placed onto a header belt with all the spearheads touching the top edge so that they can be trimmed to a set length (24 or 25cm).
The spears are washed thoroughly with clean water, straightened and loaded into individual cups of the grader. Any spears with obvious defects are removed at this stage. A photo is taken of each spear and the computer measures the length and diameter of the spear and the presence of white on the butt, then it designates a chute where that spear will be released. Spears that are too short, or still have a white butt, pass through the line and are trimmed at a later stage. Spears are collected from the chutes and packed according to their grade and market destination.
For export, loose and bunched spears are packed upright into specially designed wooden boxes. For the domestic market spears may be packed, loose or bunched, into polystyrene rectangular boxes. Alternatively they may be packed into recyclable ‘pyramid boxes’, which have a flared base to accommodate the asparagus butts that are thicker in diameter than the spearheads.
Once packed, the asparagus is hydro-cooled to remove any field heat and prolong shelf life and immediately placed in cool storage. Maintenance of the cool chain is vital to prevent continued growth of the spears and deterioration in quality and storage life. Pallets destined for export are sent by refrigerated transport to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane airports.
Green asparagus tips
The pinnacle of taste: asparagus tips
Green asparagus tips - Product picture
Green asparagus is available as tips: the top 10 cm of regular green asparagus. Compared to the entire stem, the green asparagus tip has just a little more flavour. It is more refined and delicate, with a tender structure.
Storage advice
Transport and storage: For green asparagus tips, the same transport and storage recommendations apply. A temperature of 2˚C is ideal.
Shop: Present green asparagus tips in the refrigerator.
Our green asparagus tips are grown in:
Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, Spain and Italy
Growing and harvesting
At the grower's
Cultivation of asparagus plants takes about 3 years. Growers can then start the first harvest. Asparagus can be cut when it has reached the correct length. Because the green variant grows above the ground, cutting is less labour-intensive. Every 1 to 2 days, the employees go around the field to cut new asparagus. In the summer months, growth is even faster. This means that sometimes it is necessary to harvest twice a day.
A harvest period lasts approximately 20 days. Growers can use the field twice a year. After each harvest, the crop must rest for 5 to 6 months. In the packing station, the employees rinse the green asparagus and cut the tips 10 cm from the top. They are sorted, and stored refrigerated. The asparagus reach the shop within 1 or 2 days.
Green Asparagus Tips - Growth And Harvest
Packaging options
EAT ME punnets of 100 grams.
You can order green asparagus tips in the recognisable EAT ME packaging. If you prefer customer-specific under your private label, this can be arranged.