Miracles of chemistry: In your apple
SmartFresh, the catchy trademarked name for 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), is a new miracle gas that blocks the pesky effects of ethylene, the agent in produce that makes it ripen (
New York Times article). Ingenious apple distributors are using it now, with some amazing results:
- A six-month-old Jonagold treated with SmartFresh is as firm as one stored for two months under traditional methods.
- SmartFresh will make long-distance shipping easier, helping China, for example, send fresh apples to the United States.
- The side-effects are minor: The apple just loses its smell.
- And they don't even need to confuse consumers by putting it on the label.
AgroFresh, the chemical's manufacturer, is currently applying for organic status. Isn't science just tasty?
Comments
On the upside, my organic chem prof would be proud that I was able to draw 1-MCP correctly on the first try.
the part of the article I like most was the chemist dismissing any health effects entirely. this when cyclic hydrocarbons often have unforseen biological reactions.
but my whole question is why? it's not like apple longevity is a current problem -- they're already capable of making it six months in the right conditions. And the other ethylene ripening fruits don't respond favorably.
It seems like another attempt by chemical manufactures to get into agbusiness by introducing an implied "must have" chemical for nominal per unit cost that just coincidentally degrades the food supplies. not bitter, nor angry.
Safe? Hmmmmm.
So was Thalidimide!
Long term effects of chemically altering food will only be known after a long term.
Dad