The Science of Making Fruits and Veggies Last Longer | Jenny Du | TED

It's a hard nut to crack: in order to prevent food waste, we rely on plastic packaging and refrigeration, which harm the environment. What if we could turn to nature to address these challenges? Engineer and chemist Jenny Du shares how a simple plant-based innovation — using the same elements found in fruit and vegetable peels — can extend the shelf life of produce, while also fighting food waste and spurring a healthier, more sustainable food system. (Recorded at TED2025 on April 10, 2025)

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