National Produce Misting Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the innovative technology used to keep fruits and vegetables fresh in grocery stores. This day highlights the importance of misting systems in extending the shelf life of produce, ensuring consumers have access to crisp, vibrant, and nutritious food.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: October 2
  • Tagged as: Food, Technology, Agriculture
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalProduceMistingDay
  • When was it founded?: 2018
  • Who founded it?: Corrigan Corporation of America

History of National Produce Misting Day

National Produce Misting Day was established to celebrate the engineering behind produce misting systems. Jack Corrigan, a civil engineer who ran a produce market, invented the first automatic produce misting system in 1979. This invention revolutionized how grocery stores maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables, replacing labor-intensive methods like soaking burlap sacks. Jack’s son, Mike Corrigan, later helped bring these systems to market, making the technology more widely available.

Timeline

  • 1979: Jack Corrigan invents the first automatic produce misting system
  • 2018: National Produce Misting Day is established by the Corrigan Corporation of America

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDateDay
2025October2Thursday
2026October2Friday
2027October2Saturday
2028October2Monday
2029October2Tuesday
2030October2Wednesday

Observed

National Produce Misting Day is observed across the United States, particularly in grocery stores and supermarkets. It’s a day to appreciate the technology that keeps our produce fresh and to raise awareness about the importance of proper food storage and preservation.

Fun Facts About Produce Misting

  1. Misting systems can extend the shelf life of produce by up to 3 days.
  2. These systems help reduce food waste by keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.
  3. Misting technology supports sustainable farming practices by optimizing irrigation.
  4. The tiny water droplets from misting systems help maintain the visual appeal of produce.
  5. Modern misting systems are automated and can be programmed to mist at specific intervals.

Quiz

  1. Who invented the first automatic produce misting system?
  2. In what year was National Produce Misting Day established?
  3. What is the primary purpose of produce misting systems?

(Answers: 1. Jack Corrigan, 2. 2018, 3. To extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables)

FAQs

Q: Why is produce misted?
A: Produce is misted to absorb moisture and stay fresh, ensuring longevity of shelf life.

Q: What does a misting system mean?
A: A misting system is a series of special nozzles placed around an area to produce billions of tiny water droplets, providing cooling and moisture.

Q: How do misting systems benefit consumers?
A: Misting systems keep produce fresh longer, reducing waste and improving the quality and visual appeal of fruits and vegetables available to consumers.

Related

  • National Food Day
  • National Ag Day
  • National Farmers’ Market Week
  • World Food Day
  • Earth Day