The principles of keeping fruits and vegetables in cold storage above zero
Introduction
The correct storage of fruits and vegetables after harvesting is one of the most important steps in maintaining quality, increasing shelf life and preventing spoilage of agricultural products. If the conditions of temperature, humidity and ventilation are not adjusted correctly, the product will soon lose its freshness and suffer from quality loss. For this reason, using a cold room above zero is the best solution for storing many agricultural products, especially fruits and some greenhouses.
In this article, we examine the important principles of storing fruits and vegetables in a cold room above zero and explain why the design and construction of a standard cold room plays a very important role in maintaining the quality of products.
What is a cold storage above zero?
A subzero cold room is a controlled space whose temperature is usually set above zero degrees Celsius. This type of cold storage is suitable for products that should not be kept at freezing temperatures, but need a cool and stable temperature to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
The temperature of the cold room above zero is usually set between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of product. Of course, for each product, the ideal temperature is different and should be determined based on the characteristics of the same product.
Why is it important to store fruits and vegetables in the cold room?
Fruits and vegetables are still alive after harvesting and their plant respiration continues. If they are not kept in the right conditions, the process of over-ripening, shriveling, mold and spoilage will be faster in them.
The most important advantages of cold storage for these products are:
- Increasing product shelf life
- Reduction of post-harvest waste
- Preserving natural color, taste and texture
- The possibility of gradual supply in the market
- Reducing financial losses for producers and wholesalers
Suitable temperature for storing fruits and vegetables
Each agricultural product has its own conditions. For example, some fruits are better stored at a temperature close to zero degrees, but others need a higher temperature to avoid frostbite.
An example of the storage temperature of some products:
- Apple: about 0 to 4 degrees Celsius
- Orange: about 3 to 7 degrees Celsius
- Grapes: about 0 to 1 °C
- Cucumber: about 7 to 10 degrees Celsius
- Tomatoes: around 10 to 13 degrees Celsius
- Bell pepper: about 7 to 10 degrees Celsius
These numbers are approximate and in practice should be adjusted according to the type of digit, storage period and transportation conditions.
The right humidity in the cold room is above zero
Only temperature is not enough. Relative humidity also plays an important role in the storage quality of products. If the humidity is low, fruits and vegetables lose their water and shrivel. If the humidity is too high, the possibility of fungus and mold growth increases.
Usually, the suitable relative humidity for fruit and greenhouse cold storage is between 85 and 95%. Of course, this value also depends on the type of product.
Ventilation and air circulation in the cold room
One of the important factors in the basic maintenance of products is proper ventilation. Proper air circulation makes the temperature uniform in all parts of the cold room, and the gases resulting from breathing of the product do not accumulate in the cold room.
If ventilation is poor:
- The temperature rises in some places
- Some products spoil sooner
- Humidity is not properly controlled
- The possibility of creating an unpleasant smell increases
For this reason, the location of the evaporator, fans and the air circulation path must be carefully engineered in the design of the cold storage.
Preparation of fruits and vegetables before entering the cold storage
Before moving the products to the cold storage, several important steps must be done:
- Separation of damaged and damaged products
- Cleaning soil, leaves and waste
- grading based on size and quality
- Initial cooling if needed
- Proper packaging to prevent impact and pressure
If the product is contaminated or crushed before entering the cold storage, spoilage will quickly spread to other products.
Proper packaging for better storage
The type of packaging has a great effect on the shelf life of the product. Proper packaging should:
- Allow air circulation
- prevent impact and crushing
- Keep the moisture of the product as much as possible
- Make transportation and arrangement easier
For example, the use of standard cartons, resistant plastic baskets and protective layers can greatly improve the quality of storage.
Correct arrangement of products in cold storage
Arrangement of products in the cold room should also be principled. If the boxes are stacked too tightly, the air circulation will be disturbed and some of the products will lose quality.
Important points in the arrangement:
- Adequate distance between the wall and packages should be observed
- Keep the air passage open
- Products should not be too heavy
- Products with different sensitivities should be kept separately
Common mistakes in the storage of fruits and vegetables
Many cold storage problems arise due to simple but important mistakes. Some of these mistakes are:
- Improper temperature setting
- Ignoring the relative humidity
- Keeping incompatible products together
- Entering the hot product into the cold house without pre-cooling
- Use of non-standard equipment
- Lack of regular service and maintenance of cold storage
Why is the standard design of cold storage important?
If the cold room is not designed properly, even with the best equipment, the desired result will not be obtained. In the construction of a cold storage above zero, the following should be carefully checked:
- Required capacity
- Types of products that can be stored
- The amount of traffic and load transfer
- The thickness of insulations
- Cold room door type
- Proper refrigeration system
- Precise control of temperature and humidity
A group like Sefid Sarma, with experience in designing and building industrial and above-zero cold storage, can implement a cold storage suitable for the type of product and your storage volume.
Advantages of using standard cold storage for farmers and wholesalers
Using standard cold storage is not only to prevent corruption, but it is considered a profitable investment. The most important advantages:
- Increasing product sales time
- Avoid emergency sales at low prices
- Maintaining product quality and branding
- Reduction of waste and damage
- The possibility of export or gradual distribution
summary
Storing fruits and vegetables in cold storage above zero is a principled and economic method to maintain the quality and increase the shelf life of agricultural products. Compliance with temperature, humidity, ventilation, packaging and proper arrangement play a very important role in the success of this process.
If you plan to have a standard and professional cold storage for your product, it is very important to choose an expert group in cold storage design and construction. Sefid Sarma can provide the best solution in the implementation of above-zero cold storage according to the type of your product.
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