Controlled atmosphere, controlled humidity package for red-ripe tomatoes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention, there is disclosed a package containing at least one tomato wherein the package comprises a relatively rigid plastic enclosure which defines an opening therein.
The tomato is situated within the enclosure.
The tomato is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the package regardless of the orientation of the package.
A relatively non-rigid gas permeable plastic film is situated about and in air-tight sealment with the enclosure at the opening therein.
A humectant material is contained within a packet having water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable walls.
The packet is situated within the enclosure preferably adjacent the stem scar.
A substantially uniform relative humidity is maintained in all regions of the enclosure.
According to the present invention, there is a process for packaging a tomato comprising providing a package which defines a chamber therein, introducing a tomato within the chamber, maintaining the tomato in a substantially fixed position relative to the package regardless of the orientation of the package, and maintaining a substantially uniform relative humidity in the chamber.