SmartFresh

SmartFresh is a post-harvest produce quality enhancer whose active ingredient is 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). It is used to prolong the freshness and shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals by inhibiting the effects of ethylene—a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening and senescence. Mechanistically, 1-MCP binds preferentially to ethylene receptors in plant tissues, blocking both endogenous and exogenous ethylene from triggering ripening processes. This action effectively puts the ripening process "on hold," reducing softening, over-ripening, leaf yellowing or drop in ornamentals during storage or transport. The product is applied as a gas released from tablets (SmartTabs) activated in solution within sealed storage environments. Approved for use globally since at least 2005 (EU), it has become standard technology for extending produce quality during distribution[3][5][6][8].

Brand names

SmartFresh

Other names

1-methylcyclopropene1-MCP