At the Institute of Fresh Produce Logistics at Hochschule Geisenheim University, research is currently focussing on one of the most popular regional vegetable products: asparagus.
As part of a Master's thesis, a student is investigating how different packaging systems affect the shelf life and quality of fresh asparagus.
The aim is to find out which types of packaging best protect the asparagus from moisture loss, spoilage and quality degradation. This is because packaging plays a decisive role in the marketing, storage and ultimately the reduction of food losses, especially for sensitive fresh products such as asparagus, according to Geisenheim.
The results of the work should therefore not only serve research purposes, but also provide practical recommendations for retailers and asparagus producers.
Strawberries as illustrative material for prospective students
In addition to asparagus, another popular fresh product is at the centre of the current work: strawberries. They were also stored in different packaging - but for a very special purpose. The series of experiments served as an illustrative example for the study information day on 4 June 2025, where visitors were able to experience first-hand how scientific work works and which influencing factors play a role in the shelf life of fresh products.
Source: Geisenheim University
