A method of preserving a harvested cultivated food can include applying a preservative composition onto a cultivated food. The preservative composition can include a folate substance or hydrogel having the folate substance in a carrier. The carrier and/or hydrogel may facilitate application of the folate to the cultivated food and may contribute to the improvement of preservation of the cultivated food post-harvest. A container can be configured for protecting harvested cultivated food by having a chamber with a preservative composition located in the container. A substrate can include a preservative composition located on the substrate, which can be applied to a cultivated food to increase preservation.
