AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Dole is promoting the new FreshPack in Amarillo stores.
Dole FreshPack is a special dual chamber bag that controls the ripening process and extends the life of bananas. Produce Manager of Market Street Gary Lambert said, “Basically the bag has small little holes inside the bag; there are no added chemicals or anything like that. All the little holes do is help keep oxygen out and help the bag produce more carbon dioxide and so what it does is slows down that ripening process. In essence it's like the banana is asleep until you open the bag.” The bag has dual compartments designed to preserve half of the bananas until ready to eat. “It's a double sided bag, a 3 pound bag, and so you open up one side and you can use those immediately, then you have the other side closed until you get ready to use it.” Said Lambert, “Whenever you open up the second side you have a few more days of shelf life.” The product has attracted very much attention from banana fanatics. “I buy bananas probably 2-3 times a week, it'll probably save me some trips to the grocery store and I like them better fresh…so it'll give me the opportunity to enjoy... I can’t wait to go home and try it,” said local resident, Linda Collins.
Produce managers tell us that the determining factor on how long the product will be in stores depends on supply and demand. You can find the Dole FreshPack at Market Street, United 45th and Bell, as well as on Tascosa road.
