PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for simply retaining the freshness of post-harvest fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and grapes.SOLUTION: The invention includes a freshness retention method in which red light and far-infrared light are irradiated to fruits and vegetables simultaneously or alternately, and a freshness retention method in which the total light intensity of the red light and the far-infrared light is made to be at least 1.8 W/m2 even immediately below the light source, and the light intensity ratio of the far-infrared light to the red light is made to be a value in the range of 0.5-2. A freshness retention device used in the freshness retention methods includes a storehouse for storing fruits and vegetables, and an illumination device provided in the storehouse, including a first light source for irradiating the red light to fruits and vegetables, and a second light source for irradiating the far-infrared light to fruits and vegetables.SELECTED DRAWING: NoneCOPYRIGHT: (C)2016,JPO&INPIT【課題】収穫後のイチゴ、トマト、ブロッコリー又はブドウ等の青果物の鮮度保持を簡便に行う方法及び装置の提供。【解決手段】青果物に対して、赤色光及び遠赤色光の双方を同時又は交互に照射する鮮度保持方法。前記赤色光及び前記遠赤色光を合わせた光強度を、光源直下において最小でも1.8W/m2とし、前記赤色光に対する前記遠赤色光の光強度比を0.5~2の範囲内の値とする鮮度保持方法。前記鮮度保持方法において用いられ、青果物を収容する貯蔵庫と、貯蔵庫内に設けられた、青果物に赤色光を照射する第1光源、及び青果物に遠赤色光を照射する第2光源を含む照明装置とを備える鮮度保持装置。【選択図】なし
