Have you ever pondered why this fruit is frequently wrapped in red net bags? It’s more than just packaging—it’s a clever marketing tactic employed by sellers worldwide. The red net creates an optical illusion that enhances the brightness of oranges. This strategy is not exclusive; lemons are also sometimes packaged in yellow or green bags to boost their appearance. Recently, a user on X revealed the science behind this tactic, known as the Munker White illusion. This phenomenon causes the color of the bag to create the impression of fresher fruit.
The user shared the video with the caption, “WHY ORANGES ARE WRAPPED IN RED NETS – a brilliant marketing strategy. PS: There’s no manipulation in the editing. The oranges are naturally the same color; it’s the arrangement of the striped grid on top that creates the visual impact.”
WHY ORANGES ARE PACKED IN RED NETS – an insane marketing trick!
PS: there’s absolutely no trickery involved in the editing whatsoever. The oranges are actually the same colour and it’s the way the striped grid is arranged on top of them that makes all the difference. pic.twitter.com/dM82TWDVg8
— Floyd (@floydiancookery) July 22, 2024
He explained the reason for using red nets, stating, “Our perception of colors is not solely determined by our eyes but largely influenced by our brains. The same color can appear differently depending on the lighting and surrounding colors. This phenomenon is known as ‘Color Constancy,’ initially researched by German scientist Wilhelm Von Bezold. He demonstrated that our brain interprets colors based on their context. This concept becomes particularly intriguing when different colors interact with each other.”
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The phenomenon, called the Munker-White illusion, occurs when the color of the packaging influences our perception of the fruit inside. For instance, red net bags make oranges look brighter and more orange than their actual color. This heightened color can deceive us into believing the oranges are fresher.
Since the user posted the video on X, it has accumulated over 57,000 views on the platform.
Live Science reports that scientists hold varying theories on how the brain generates this color illusion. Some propose that the shift in perception begins as light hits the retina, while others suggest it occurs during the brain’s processing of information. It’s also plausible that both processes collaborate to produce the illusion.
