Meridian, Idaho Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

Dry Harvest LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its breakthrough in post-harvest fruit processing. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11974591, titled ‘Systems and methods for acclimatizing food’, uses a vacuum-based acclimatization method to precisely control the moisture content of dates, enhancing shelf life and product consistency.

The patented process involves placing dates into a vacuum chamber, heating them to a specific temperature below the boiling point of water, and adjusting the chamber’s pressure to lower the boiling point further. This technique allows for precise moisture removal without damaging the fruit. By fine-tuning the relative humidity within the chamber, the dates reach an optimal moisture balance, improving texture and reducing spoilage.

This innovation addresses a significant challenge in the date industry: maintaining quality during storage and transport. Traditional drying methods can lead to uneven moisture levels, affecting taste and shelf life. Dry Harvest’s method ensures uniformity, making dates more appealing to consumers and reducing waste for producers.

Based in Grandview, Washington, Dry Harvest LLC specializes in dehydration technologies for food processing, focusing on energy-efficient solutions that minimize waste. Their latest patent exemplifies their commitment to sustainable practices and technological advancement in the agricultural sector.

By combining scientific precision with practical application, Dry Harvest’s new method sets a new standard for fruit processing, promising fresher products and longer shelf lives for consumers worldwide.