Importance

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Abstract

A method of preserving fruit-bearing cut-limbs from cutting at an orchard to receiving by a remote consumer includes cutting a live, fruit-bearing limb off a fruit tree in an orchard; and bagging the cut limb with perforated film substantially to seal the limb therein substantially continuously from the time of cutting at the orchard to the time of receiving by the remote consumer. After the cutting and before the bagging, the method can include dipping the cut end of the limb in a solution of water substantially continuously from cutting at the orchard to receiving by the remote consumer and/or coating the cut limb including the fruit and leaves thereon using a moisture-retentive agent. A perishable-fruit distribution method includes cutting an intact fruit- and leaf-bearing limb from a live tree in an orchard; treating the cut-limb to extend the useful life of the intact fruit and leaf thereon; placing the treated cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon in a shipping container; and delivering the treated, containerized cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon within the shipping container to a consumer remote from the orchard. A coating and a shipping container also are described and claimed.

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First Claim