METHOD AND PACKAGING FOR CONSERVING A FOODSTUFF IN A HYDROGEN ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for preserving a foodstuff in a hydrogen atmosphere in a packaging (200) comprising an interior space (220) enclosed by a hydrogen-permeable and airtightly sealable casing (210), the interior space (220) comprising a foodstuff space (221) for receiving the foodstuff and a hydrogen space (222) for receiving hydrogen gas, the foodstuff space (221) and the hydrogen space (222) being at least gas-conductively connected to one another, and the casing (210) or a sleeve (230) surrounding the hydrogen space (222) being dimensionally stable at a negative pressure in the hydrogen space (222) relative to an environment of the packaging (200) of at least 100 mbar. The method comprises at least the following steps: filling (110) the foodstuff at least into the foodstuff space (221), introducing (120) hydrogen gas at least into the hydrogen space (222), airtightly sealing (130) the casing (210) after the filling (110) and introduction (120), and generating (140) a negative pressure at least in the hydrogen space (222) relative to an environment of the packaging (200). The invention further relates to a packaging for use in a method according to the invention and to such use.

Claims

1-30. (canceled)

31. A method (100) for preserving a foodstuff in a hydrogen atmosphere in a packaging comprising a) an interior space (220) enclosed by a hydrogen-permeable and airtightly sealable casing (210), b) the interior space (220) comprising a foodstuff space (221) for receiving the foodstuff and a hydrogen space (222) for receiving hydrogen gas, c) the foodstuff space (221) and the hydrogen space (222) being connected to each other in a gas-conducting and liquid-conducting manner, and d) the casing (210) being dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the hydrogen space (222) relative to an environment of the packaging (200) of at least 400 mbar, for following steps: e) filling (110) the foodstuff at least into the foodstuff space (221), f) introducing (120) hydrogen gas at least into the hydrogen space (222), g) airtightly sealing (130) the casing (210) after the filling (110) and introduction (120), and h) generating (140) a negative pressure at least in the hydrogen space (222) relative to an environment of the packaging (200), i) the generation (140) of the negative pressure comprising diffusing hydrogen gas through the casing (210) into the environment of the packaging (200) after the casing (210) has been airtightly sealed (130), j) the generated negative pressure relative to an environment of the packaging (200) being at least 200 mbar, k) the casing (210) of the packaging (200) being dimensionally stable under the generated negative pressure.

32. The method (100) according to claim 31, wherein the generated negative pressure relative to an environment of the packaging (200) is from 200 mbar to 500 mbar, preferably 200 mbar to 300 mbar, the casing (210) of the packaging (200) being dimensionally stable under the generated negative pressure

33. The method (100) according to claim 31, wherein the generated negative pressure relative to an environment of the packaging (200) is at least 400 mbar, the casing (210) of the packaging (200) being dimensionally stable under the generated negative pressure.

34. The method according to claim 31, wherein the generation (140) of the negative pressure comprises pumping air out of the interior space (220) prior to the airtight sealing (130) of the casing (210) and prior to the introduction (120) of the hydrogen gas.

35. The method (100) according to claim 31, wherein a) the foodstuff space (221) and the hydrogen space (222) for the foodstuff are conductively connected to each other, b) the filling (110) of the foodstuff comprises completely filling the interior space (220) with the foodstuff, and c) the introduction (120) of the hydrogen gas takes place after the filling (110) and comprises a displacement of the foodstuff from the hydrogen space (222).

36. The method (100) according to claim 31, wherein a) the introduction (120) of the hydrogen gas comprises a filling (110) of a hydrogen-enriched foodstuff, b) the foodstuff being saturated with hydrogen and/or containing no other gases.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Further advantages, objectives and properties of the invention are explained with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which subject-matter according to the invention is shown in an exemplary manner. Features which at least substantially correspond in the figures with regard to their function may be denoted by the same reference signs, however, these features do not have to be referenced or explained in all figures.

[0095] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved in a packaging by a method according to the invention.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved in a further packaging by a method according to the invention.

[0097] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved by a conventional method in a conventional packaging 200.

[0098] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved by a conventional method in a conventional packaging 200.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved in a further packaging by a method according to the invention.

[0100] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a foodstuff preserved in a further packaging by a method according to the invention.

[0101] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a packaging according to the invention.

[0102] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further packaging according to the invention.

[0103] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a further packaging according to the invention.

[0104] FIG. 10 shows schematic side views of embodiments of a stopper of a packaging according to the invention.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows schematic representations of a stopper of a packaging according to the invention.

[0106] FIG. 12 shows schematic representations of a further stopper of a packaging according to the invention.

[0107] FIG. 13 shows schematic representations of a further stopper of a packaging according to the invention.

[0108] FIG. 14 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a packaging according to the invention.

[0109] FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a further packaging according to the invention.

[0110] FIG. 16 shows further schematic sectional drawing of the packaging from FIG. 13.

[0111] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

[0112] FIG. 18 shows a hydrogen content of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period.

[0113] FIG. 19 shows a pressure in a packaging of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period.

[0114] FIG. 20 shows a hydrogen content of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a filled hydrogen volume.

[0115] FIG. 21 shows a hydrogen content of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period.

[0116] FIG. 22 shows a pressure in a packaging of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period.

FIG. 1

[0117] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff, for example water H.sub.2O enriched with hydrogen H.sub.2, preserved in a packaging 200 by a method 100 according to the invention.

[0118] The packaging 200 comprises an airtightly sealable casing 210, for example a known glass beverage bottle that is dimensionally stable under negative pressure, having a foodstuff filling opening 250. The casing 210 encloses an interior space comprising a hydrogen space 222 for containing hydrogen gas and a foodstuff space 221 for containing the foodstuff. In the example shown, the hydrogen space 222 and the foodstuff space 221 are directly adjacent to each other at a contact plane 223, without a physical barrier.

[0119] In the illustrated state, the filling 110 of the foodstuff into the foodstuff space 221 and the introduction 120 of hydrogen gas into the hydrogen space 222, as well as the airtight sealing 130 of the casing 210 with a sealing means 251, for example a cap matching the beverage bottle, have already been performed.

[0120] FIG. 1A shows a state before generating 140 a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222, and FIG. 1B shows a state after generating 140 the negative pressure.

[0121] The illustrated casing 210 is dimensionally stable under the generated negative pressure, for example because it is made of glass. Therefore, the hydrogen space 222 is not compressed by the negative pressure. Since the casing 210 is airtightly sealed, no air can flow into the hydrogen space 222 from the outside, and therefore the negative pressure is maintained.

FIG. 2

[0122] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved in a further packaging 200 by a method 100 according to the invention.

[0123] FIG. 2 differs from FIG. 1 in that the casing 210 is not designed as a beverage bottle, but as a can. The casing 210 can be made dimensionally stable by a corrugated shape of its outer wall, for example as in known foodstuff cans, under a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222. This allows the casing 210 to be made of a less rigid and thus thinner, lighter and/or more economical material, for example a metal sheet or a plastic.

[0124] Analogously to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 2A shows a state before generating 140 a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222, and FIG. 2B shows a state after generating 140 the negative pressure.

FIG. 3

[0125] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved by a conventional method in a conventional packaging 200.

[0126] The packaging 200 differs from the packaging shown in FIG. 1 in that the casing 210 of the packaging 200 is not dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222 of the packaging 200, for example because the packaging 200 is a conventional plastic beverage bottle.

[0127] If water H.sub.2O enriched with hydrogen H.sub.2 is filled into the foodstuff space 221 and hydrogen gas H.sub.2 is filled into the hydrogen space 222 in such a packaging (FIG. 3A), the hydrogen gas H.sub.2 can escape from the hydrogen space 222 through the casing 210 of the packaging 200 and/or through the filling opening 250 sealed with the sealing means 251.

[0128] Since the casing 210 is not dimensionally stable, it is compressed by the negative pressure generated by the escaping hydrogen gas H.sub.2 in the hydrogen space 222, so that the hydrogen gas H.sub.2 and the hydrogen 112 contained in the water H.sub.2O gradually escape completely until the casing 210 is compressed to the volume of the water H.sub.2O contained therein (FIG. 3B).

FIG. 4

[0129] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff preserved by a conventional method in a conventional packaging 200.

[0130] The packaging 200 differs from the packaging shown in FIG. 2 in that the casing 210 of the packaging 200 is not dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222 of the packaging 200, for example because the packaging 200 is a conventional sheet-metal beverage can.

[0131] If such a packaging is filled with hydrogen-enriched water in the foodstuff space 221 and hydrogen gas H.sub.2 in the hydrogen space 222 (FIG. 4A), the hydrogen gas H.sub.2 can escape from the hydrogen space 222 through the casing 210 of the packaging 200.

[0132] Since the casing 210 is not dimensionally stable, it is compressed by the negative pressure generated by the escaping hydrogen gas H.sub.2 in the hydrogen space 222, so that the hydrogen gas H.sub.2 and the hydrogen contained in the water gradually escape completely until the casing 210 is compressed to the volume of the water contained therein (FIG. 4B).

FIG. 5

[0133] FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a foodstuff LM preserved in a further packaging 200 by a method 100 according to the invention.

[0134] In contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, the foodstuff LM in FIG. 3 is a granular foodstuff LM, for example cereal grains. Furthermore, in the case of FIG. 5, the casing 210 of the packaging 200 is not dimensionally stable, but consists for example of a flexible plastic film.

[0135] Therefore, the casing 210 is compressed when the negative pressure is generated 140 in the interior space 220. The compression stops as soon as the casing 210 is in contact with the foodstuff LM. Due to the granular structure of the foodstuff LM, dimensionally stable interstices remain within the foodstuff LM, which can serve as a hydrogen space 222 in the sense of the invention.

[0136] Analogously to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 5A shows a state before generating 140 a negative pressure in the interior space 220, and FIG. 5B shows a state after generating 140 the negative pressure.

FIG. 6

[0137] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a foodstuff LM preserved in a further packaging 200 by a method 100 according to the invention. The foodstuff LM may be a dimensionally stable foodstuff LM, for example a piece of meat.

[0138] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the casing 210 of the packaging 200 comprises a flexible material, for example a plastic film, supported by a support structure 211, for example a cage, disposed therein, such that the casing 210 is dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the interior space 220 of the packaging 200.

FIG. 7

[0139] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a packaging 200 according to the invention. The illustrated packaging 200 comprises a flexible casing 210, for example made of a plastic film, and is particularly suitable for holding a dimensionally stable foodstuff LM, for example a piece of meat. The packaging 200 includes a number of, for example two, sleeves 230. The sleeves 230 contain a hydrogen space 222 for containing hydrogen gas. The sleeves 230 may, for example, be designed as hollow cylinders.

[0140] The sleeves 230 are designed to be dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the hydrogen space 222. The hydrogen space 222 is gas-conductively connected to a foodstuff space 221 for receiving the foodstuff LM. For this purpose, the sleeves 230 may have a number of openings 231 which are preferably designed such that the foodstuff LM cannot enter the hydrogen space 222 through the openings 231, for example because the openings 231 are too small for this purpose or are sealed by a grating or a gas-permeable membrane.

FIG. 8

[0141] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further packaging 200 according to the invention. The shown packaging 200 differs from the packaging shown in FIG. 5 in that the sleeve 230 contained therein has a sponge-like structure or a honeycomb structure and may in particular be designed as a solid foam.

FIG. 9

[0142] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a further packaging 200 according to the invention. The illustrated packaging 200 comprises a casing 210 enclosing an interior space 220. In this example, the casing 210 is dimensionally stable under a negative pressure in the interior space 220. For example, the casing 210 may be cylindrically shaped, wherein a filling opening 250 for filling a foodstuff into the interior space 220 is located on at least one end face, in particular on both end faces. The at least one filling opening 250 can be airtightly sealed by a sealing means 251, for example a screw cap.

[0143] The packaging 200 comprises a media exchange device, which may comprise, for example, an inlet line 241 for introducing hydrogen gas into the interior space 220 and an outlet line 242 for discharging liquid foodstuff from the interior space 220.

[0144] In the example shown, the inlet line 241 is arranged in a first sealing means 251 and comprises a valve 247. The valve 247 is configured, for example, as a check valve that prevents hydrogen gas or foodstuff from flowing back from the interior space 220 into the inlet line 241.

[0145] In the illustrated example, the outlet line 242 is disposed in a second sealing means 251 and also comprises a valve 247. The valve 247 may be designed to regulate a flow of the foodstuff from the interior space 220 into the outlet line 242.

FIG. 10

[0146] FIG. 10 shows schematic side views of embodiments of a stopper 243 of a packaging according to the invention. The stopper 243 may, for example, be substantially cylindrical in shape (FIGS. 10A, 10C) or tapered in shape (FIG. 10B). In order to be securely arranged in a filling opening of the packaging 200, the stopper 243 may comprise a bearing portion 249 for resting on an edge of the filling opening. The bearing portion 249 is preferably thin enough to allow the filling opening to be sealed with an associated sealing means while the stopper 243 is in the filling opening.

[0147] So as to be able to be sealingly disposed in the filling opening, the stopper 243 may, for example, be made of an elastic material and/or may comprise a ring seal 248 for sealing contact with an edge of the filling opening.

FIG. 11

[0148] FIG. 11 shows schematic representations of a stopper 243 of a packaging according to the invention as a longitudinal section (FIG. 11A) and as a plan view (FIG. 11B). The stopper 243 comprises an inlet opening 244 and an outlet opening 245 for receiving an inlet line and an outlet line of a media exchange device of the packaging.

FIG. 12

[0149] FIG. 12 shows schematic representations of a stopper 243 of a packaging according to the invention as a longitudinal section (FIG. 12A) and as a plan view (FIG. 12B). The stopper 243 comprises an inlet opening 244 and an outlet opening 245 for receiving an inlet line and an outlet line of a media exchange device of the packaging.

[0150] The inlet opening 244 and/or the outlet opening 245 may comprise a sealant 246 for sealingly fitting against the inlet line and/or the outlet line. The sealant 246 may comprise, for example, an elastic foam disposed in the particular opening 244, 245.

FIG. 13

[0151] FIG. 13 shows schematic representations of a stopper 243 of a packaging according to the invention as a longitudinal section (FIG. 12A) and as a plan view (FIG. 13B). The stopper 243 comprises an inlet opening 244 and an outlet opening 245 for receiving an inlet line and an outlet line of a media exchange device of the packaging.

[0152] The openings 244, 245 may, for example, be designed as slots in the stopper 243. The stopper 243 is made of an elastic material, for example, so that the slots can be widened to accommodate the inlet line and the outlet line, and the stopper 243 can fit tightly against the inlet line and the outlet line as a sealant 246.

FIG. 14

[0153] FIG. 14 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a packaging 200 according to the invention. The illustrated packaging 200 comprises an airtightly sealable casing 210, for example a beverage bottle, in particular made of glass. In a filling opening 250 for filling a foodstuff, for example water, into an interior space of the casing 210, a stopper 243 is arranged as part of a media exchange device 240. The stopper 243 comprises, for example, a ring seal 248, whereby the stopper 243 sealingly seals the filling opening 250.

[0154] The media exchange device 240 comprises an inlet line 241 for introducing hydrogen gas into a hydrogen space 222 in the interior space and an outlet line 242 for discharging foodstuff from the hydrogen space 222. The lines 241, 242 may, for example, be inserted into an inlet opening 244 and an outlet opening 245 of the stopper 243, in each case with a stop 260 defining an insertion depth into the stopper 243.

[0155] The outlet line 242 may comprise an outer portion 242A outside the casing 210 and an inner portion 242B in the interior space. A mouth 239 of the outlet line 242 in the interior space defines a contact plane 223, which is horizontal in the drawing, between the hydrogen space 222 and a foodstuff space 221 for receiving the foodstuff in the interior space. In the illustrated example, the hydrogen space 222 and the foodstuff space 221 are directly adjacent to each other at the contact plane 223, without a physical barrier.

[0156] Preferably, at least the inlet line 241 and the outer portion 242A of the outlet line 242 are releasably connected, for example wedged, to the stopper 243. This allows the inlet line 241 and the outer portion 242A to be removed without removing the stopper 243 from the filling opening 250. Thereafter, a filling opening 250 can be airtightly sealed with a sealing means, for example a screw cap commonly used for beverage bottles.

[0157] The inlet line 241 may comprise a valve 247, in particular a check valve, which prevents hydrogen gas or foodstuff from flowing back from the interior space into the inlet line 241.

FIG. 15

[0158] FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional drawing of a further packaging 200 according to the invention. The packaging 200 shown in FIG. 15 differs from the packaging 200 shown in FIG. 12 in the following respects:

[0159] In this example, the inlet line 241 and the outlet line 242 are passed through the inlet opening 244 and the outlet opening 245 of the stopper 243, the stopper 243 having a sealant 246, for example sealing lips, to sealingly connect the lines 241, 242 to the stopper 243.

[0160] In particular, the outlet line 242 may comprise a stop 260, for example a snap ring, which allows the outlet line 242 to pass through the outlet opening 245 only to a predefined depth. Preferably, the stop 260 is attached to the outlet line 242 such that different predefined depths can be set. For this purpose, the outlet line 242 may comprise, for example, a plurality of grooves 261 spaced apart from each other along the outlet line 242 for mounting the stop 260.

FIG. 16

[0161] FIG. 16 shows a further schematic sectional drawing of the packaging 200 from FIG. 13. In contrast to the illustration in FIG. 13, here the inlet line 241 and the outlet line 242 are removed from the stopper 243. This allows a sealing means 251, for example a screw cap commonly used for beverage bottles, to airtightly seal the filling opening 250, while the stopper 243 remains in the filling opening 250.

[0162] In FIG. 15, it is further visible that the sealant 246 arranged in the inlet opening 244 and in the outlet opening 245 can seal each opening 244, 245 once the inlet line and the outlet line are removed. This can prevent hydrogen gas from escaping from the interior space 220 at least temporarily until the sealing means 251 is mounted on the filling opening 250.

FIG. 17

[0163] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of a method 100 according to the invention. The shown method 100 comprises a filling 110 of a foodstuff into a foodstuff space in an interior space of a packaging which can be airtightly sealed by a casing. The method 100 comprises, for example after the filling 110, introducing 120 hydrogen gas into a hydrogen space in the interior space, which hydrogen space is connected to the foodstuff space at least in a gas-conducting manner. The method 100 comprises an airtight sealing 130 of the casing after the filling 110 and introduction 120. The method 100 comprises, for example after the sealing 130, a generation 140 of a negative pressure at least in the hydrogen space relative to an environment of the packaging, wherein the casing or a sleeve surrounding the hydrogen space is dimensionally stable under the negative pressure.

FIG. 18

[0164] FIG. 18 shows a hydrogen content c in ppm of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period t in days (d).

[0165] The graph shows measurement results from two independent experiments (circles with dotted line, triangles with dashed line). The lines in each case only serve to make them easier to recognise. The hydrogen content is determined by titration with methylene blue in solution with platinum nanoparticles (H2 Sciences Inc., USA). In this method, hydrogen can dock to the methylene blue via the platinum particles, which serve as a catalyst, thus changing its colour from blue to transparent.

[0166] For the experiments, a volume of approximately 50 mL of hydrogen gas is introduced into each glass bottle filled with water and having a total volume of 1 L. The hydrogen gas is then added to the bottle. Before filling the bottle, the water has a hydrogen content of 1.6 ppm. The glass bottles are standard beverage bottles which, after the hydrogen gas has been introduced, are airtightly sealed with their associated plastic screw caps.

[0167] The hydrogen-enriched water is prepared beforehand in a sufficiently large water dispenser so that the water has the same initial hydrogen content for all bottles in a test series. Distilled, non-degassed water is used. A separate bottle is used for each measuring point. The bottles are stored at a minimum of 16° C. and in the dark.

[0168] For comparison, the graph also shows data for the storage of hydrogen-enriched water using a prior art method (US20180213825A1, FIG. 8) with an associated regression line (diamonds with solid line).

[0169] With the method according to the invention, there is initially, especially within the first 30 days, a similarly strong decrease in the hydrogen content as with the prior art method. Thereafter, however, the decrease with the method according to the invention slows down considerably and seems to stabilise at a value of about 1.3 ppm to 1.4 ppm, whereas it continues unabated with the prior an method. Thus, with a longer storage period, for example at least 180 days, a higher hydrogen content is achieved with the method according to the invention than with the prior art method.

FIG. 19

[0170] FIG. 19 shows a pressure p in mbar in a packaging of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period t in days (d).

[0171] The graph shows measurement results from two independent tests (circles, triangles). The pressure p inside the packaging relative to an ambient pressure of the packaging is measured by bottle pressure gauges which are screwed onto the bottles or fastened with swing stoppers.

[0172] The water is filled and stored as described in FIG. 18.

[0173] Like the hydrogen content shown in FIG. 18, the pressure in the packaging also decreases relatively quickly initially, especially within the first 30 days. After that, the decrease in pressure slows down considerably, as does the decrease in hydrogen content, and appears to stabilise at an equilibrium value of about −150 mbar to −250 mbar relative to ambient pressure.

FIG. 20

[0174] FIG. 20 shows a hydrogen content c in ppm of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a filled hydrogen volume V in mL after a storage period of 44 days.

[0175] The hydrogen content is determined as described for FIG. 18. The specified hydrogen volume V of hydrogen gas is introduced to water with an initial hydrogen content c of 1.6 ppm into a bottle with a total volume of 1 L, the bottle being completely filled with water before this introduction.

[0176] The further filling and storage conditions correspond to those described in FIG. 18.

[0177] The graph shows that a certain minimum volume of hydrogen gas of about 50 mL to 60 mL in the example shown is necessary to obtain a maximum hydrogen content of the water during storage. A further increase in the hydrogen volume does not lead to an increase in the hydrogen content and should therefore be avoided for economic and safety reasons.

FIG. 21

[0178] FIG. 21 shows a hydrogen content c in ppm of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period t in days (d) in experiments performed over a longer period of time from the test series already shown in FIG. 18.

[0179] The hydrogen content is determined as described for FIG. 18.

[0180] For the experiments, a volume of approximately 60 mL of hydrogen gas is introduced into each glass bottle filled with water and having a total volume of 1 L. Before filling the bottle, the water has a hydrogen content of 1.6 ppm. The glass bottles are standard beverage bottles which, after the hydrogen gas has been introduced, are airtightly sealed with their associated plastic screw caps.

[0181] The water enriched with hydrogen is produced beforehand in a sufficiently large water dispenser, so that the water has the same initial hydrogen content for all bottles in the test series. Distilled, non-gassed water is used. A separate bottle is used for each measuring point. The bottles are stored at a temperature between 16° C. and 26° C. and at an ambient pressure of 992 mbar to 1034 mbar in the dark.

[0182] It can be seen in FIG. 21 that the hydrogen content, as already in FIG. 18, stabilises after an initial decrease. The decrease occurs here approximately within the first 0.5 years of storage down to a value of approximately 1.1 ppm, which is then maintained at least up to a storage period of approximately 1.5 years. The water enriched with hydrogen can thus be maintained for substantially longer than with storage methods from the prior art.

FIG. 22

[0183] FIG. 22 shows a pressure p in mbar in a packaging of water preserved by a method according to the invention depending on a storage period t in days (d) in experiments performed over a longer period of time from the test series already shown in FIG. 19.

[0184] The filling and storing of the water are as described for FIG. 21. The pressure p inside the packaging relative to an ambient pressure of the packaging is measured by bottle pressure gauges which are screwed onto the bottles instead of the associated cap or are fastened with swing stoppers.

[0185] The pressure in the packaging initially decreases relatively quickly as in FIG. 19, in particular during the first half year of storage. The decrease of the pressure then significantly slows, and appears to approach an equilibrium value of about −500 mbar

TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Signs 100 Method 110 Filling 120 Introduction 130 Sealing 140 Generation 200 Packaging 210 Sleeve 211 Support structure 220 Interior space 221 Foodstuff space 223 Contact plane 230 Sleeve 231 Opening 239 Mouth 240 Media exchange device 214 Inlet line 242 Outlet line 242A Outer portion 242B Inner portion 243 Stopper 244 Inlet opening 245 Outlet opening 246 Sealant 247 Valve 248 Ring seal 249 Bearing portion 250 Filling opening 251 Sealing means 252 Thread 260 Stop  26 Groove c Hydrogen content H2 Hydrogen H2O Water LM Foodstuff p Pressure t Storage period V Hydrogen volume