599809 Disclosed is a method of storing or preserving harvested produce within a releasably sealed container to establish a neutral water potential where the wet weight and sugar content of the fruit are maintained using moderately hypotonic to substantially isotonic storage solution. The method comprises the step of immersing the harvested produce in an aqueous storage solution contained in a releasably sealed container to establish a neutral water potential where the harvested produce is whole fruit. The harvested produce is whole fruit selected from the group consisting of: apple, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, citrus, grapes, kiwifruit, peaches, pear, plums, raspberries and strawberries. The storage solution is a moderately hypotonic to substantially isotonic storage solution. There is no significant change in the Brix value of the storage solution during the period of storage. The storage solution is a carbonated and/or alcoholic storage solution.
