Cannabidiol or CBD as it is commonly known, has been hailed for being able to treat a variety of ailments, but now researchers have seemingly shown it can keep strawberries fresher for longer.
By developing an edible coating the researchers from Thammasat University and Chulabhorn Research Institute in Thailand they have added to the list of materials that can preserve fruit.
Scientists have used a variety of materials for preserving foods, including shrimp shells and eggs.
The test consisted of leaving strawberries treated with CBD and those without in plastic containers in a fridge at the same temperature for fifteen days.
Fruit that was treated with CBD were found to decay much slower than compared to the untreated strawberries.
Completing the process to ensure the strawberries are coated with CBD is not an easy process as the CBD needs to be dispersed evenly into water to coat the fruit.
To do so, the researchers had to create a biodegradable polymer which is commonly used in medicinal drugs.
The polymer is then mixed with sodium alginate at which point the strawberries are covered before a final coating of a mix of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride.
Needless to say, much further research is needed to study whether this process ensures the strawberries are safe to eat, so do not expect any legal CBD covered edible strawberries on the market any time soon.
CBD is currently being used for much more than enhancing the fridge life of strawberries.
Physical pain such as arthritis, mental stresses such as anxiety and even beauty products containing CBD are all being used currently by the global population.
The skincare market alone is expected to be worth $3.4 billion by 2026.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the CBD market. There are still concerns around what ingredients are being included in certain CBD products.
Both Hong Kong and the Czech Republic announced bans on CBD products, this is despite the expected legalisation of a recreational cannabis market in the Czech Republic.
