Frequently Asked Questions
- What is WCA Blends?
WCA Blends is a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides. All ingredients in the blends are recognized by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (G.R.A.S.). For more information on G.R.A.S. please visit the U.S. FDA Website.
- How can it improve product shelf life?
All WCA Blends are designed to improve product shelf life. Different groups of products have different requirements. By inhibiting the respiration and oxidation process of fresh-cut produce it improves product shelf life. As an example WCA Blend R is used to delay the onset of enzymatic browning and pinking at the cut surface of topped and tailed romaine as well as for cored iceberg lettuce.
- Does WCA Blends protect or does it affect the taste, texture or color of fresh-cut product or Seafood's?
WCA Blends does protect the natural taste, color and texture due to its proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides. Since the WCA Blends focuses on inhibiting the respiration and oxidation process which occurs only on the product surface, that means that all the "good stuff" such as taste, texture and color remains protected.
- What produces or sea foods items can be treated with WCA Blends?
The WCA Blends line of products has expanded to include a wide variety of fresh-cut vegetables. There are two (2) main blends: WCA T6 for Cut Vegetables, such as carrots, onions, peppers, etc. Seafood's, such as shrimps, fillet, whole fishes, etc: WCA R for Post Harvest (Topped and Tailed Romaine / Pre-cored Lettuce).
- What effect, if any, do our WCA Blends products have on microbial growth?
Microbial growth is a function of the overall sanitary conditions of the processing plant and the microbial load of the whole vegetable and seafood products. WCA Blends DOES NOT control microbial growth. Testing shows a reduction of microbial growth is achieved using WCA products.
- Mixing instructions for WCA Blends:
- To prepare the mix, you will need a water container, a scale and a paddle for stirring water.
- If necessary, pre-weigh the WCA T6 using the table below. ***Note: Water temperature should be from 36*F to 50*F to achieve best results.
- To achieve the best results slowly add WCA Blends directly to the water while vigorously stirring.
- Once the mixture resembles the consistency of a very light malt/milkshake continue to vigorously mix for 2 to 5 more minutes to make sure no powder residue is left at the bottom of the container.
- How are WCA Blends products applied?
Once the WCA Blends are mixed into a solution, the product can be applied in the following options:
- Dipped for 1 minute, then dripped dried to remove surface water (example: seafood, whole fruits and vegetables)
- Dipped for 1 minute, then spun dried to remove surface moisture (example: cut fruits and vegetables)
- Dipped for 1 minute, then air dried to remove surface moisture (example: whole fruits, cut fruits, whole vegetables, and cut vegetables)
- Sprayed on to the product to keep it from dehydration (example: Fresh flowers (mist spray), whole fruits on trees, and whole vegetables on vines).
- Do I need Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to achieve the extended shelf life benefits?
You have a wide choice of packaging, which would be acceptable when using WCA Blends. Simple 1-4 mil poly ethylene (PE) bags are generally acceptable. With Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) the shelf life of fresh-cut produce could be extended up to 28 days. MAP would enhance the product shelf life on various fruits and produce.
- How is WCA Blends packaged and what is the shelf life?
WCA Blends comes in a dry form, a powdered blend of vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides. The package, if properly stored away from excess light or moisture and below temperature of 85 degrees F, will last for 1 years.
- What concentration of WCA Blends per liters or gallons of water per grams or lbs. of product?
Quantities of WCA Blends vary depending upon the size of your tank and the type of produce treated. Please contact us for further assistance or use the table below for calculating the required amount of WCA Blend (Extender™) or product pounds to be treated.
Quick Links
- What is WCA Blends?
- How can it improve product shelf life?
- Does WCA Blends protect or does it affect the taste, texture or color of fresh-cut product or Seafood's?
- What produces or sea foods items can be treated with WCA Blends?
- What effect, if any, do our WCA Blends products have on microbial growth?
- Mixing instructions for WCA Blends:
- How are WCA Blends products applied?
- Do I need Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to achieve the extended shelf life benefits?
- How is WCA Blends packaged and what is the shelf life?
- What concentration of WCA Blends per liters or gallons of water per grams or lbs. of product?