Cold storage of nuts and dried fruits is a closed and controlled place that is used to store nuts and dried fruits at a low temperature and relative humidity. This helps to maintain the quality and shelf life of these products.
The suitable conditions for keeping nuts and dried fruits in the cold room are:
- Temperature: the optimal temperature for keeping nuts and dried fruits is between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the growth of microorganisms and insects is reduced and the oxidation of fats in nuts and dried fruits is prevented.
- Relative humidity: The optimal relative humidity for keeping nuts and dried fruits is between 50 and 60%. In this moisture, the moisture of nuts and dried fruits is preserved and their drying is prevented.
- Light: Light can cause the oxidation of fats in nuts and dried fruits. Therefore, you should avoid exposing nuts and dried fruits to direct sunlight or artificial light.
- Oxygen: Oxygen can cause the oxidation of fats in nuts and dried fruits. Therefore, you should avoid exposing nuts and dried fruit to the air for a long time.
Conditions to store different types of nuts and nuts in the refrigerator
The storage conditions of different types of nuts and dried fruits in the cold store may be slightly different. For example, hazelnuts can be stored at temperatures between -3 and 0 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 65 and 70 percent. Peanuts can be stored at a temperature between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity between 55 and 70 percent. Pistachios can be stored at a temperature between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 65 and 70 percent.
If nuts and dried fruits are not stored in the right conditions, they may suffer from some problems that will be discussed below.
Deterioration: Nuts and dried fruits contain fat and protein. And in case of improper storage, they may get damaged. Spoilage of nuts and dried fruits causes an unpleasant smell, changes in color and texture, and reduces their nutritional value. Pollution: Nuts and dried fruits are a good source for the growth of all kinds of bacteria, fungi, and insects. In case of improper storage, nuts and dried fruits may be contaminated. Contamination of nuts and dried fruits can cause gastrointestinal diseases. Decrease in nutritional value: Nuts and dried fruits are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In case of improper storage, the nutritional value of nuts and dried fruits may decrease.