CB Refrigeration Ltd

  • Vacancies
  • Latest News
  • Portal Login
  • HOME
  • Services
    • Customer Portal & Data Analysis
  • Natural Refrigerants & Low GWP
    • Helping YOU Achieve Net Zero
  • Suppliers
CONTACT US
Thursday, 29 November 2018 / Published in Blog

Cooling Solutions for Fruit Storage

In a fast-paced retail environment, it is imperative that fruit is stored correctly before reaching retail, in order to present to the customer in top condition and entice the buyer decision process, resulting in less waste. We look at the benefits of storing fruit in temperature-controlled rooms before being dispatched to retail outlets.

Fruits continue to develop (ripen) when detached from the stem. The ripening process may not be fulfilled if the storage conditions are not handled correctly. Excess heat or cold may affect essential enzymes required for the ripening process. The purpose of temperature-controlled units is to slow down the growth of bacteria within fresh fruit. Without cold storage, most fruits will only stay fresh for a few days. All fresh produce has a ‘critical temperature’ for storage, which when gone below irreversible reactions take place known as ‘chill damage’.

The key factors that affect the storage life and quality of the fruit are:

  • Time from harvest
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Atmosphere composition
  • The effect of ethylene gas produced by some fruit as a result of ripening
  • Pre and post-harvest treatment

The Engineering Tool Box discusses the most common types of fruit and the recommended storage temperature:

Produce Type Optimum Temperature °C Optimum Humidity % Storage Life
Apples 1-4 90-95 Up to 12 months
Bananas 13-16 80-95 Up to 3 weeks
Raspberries 0 90-95 Up to 3 days
Grapes 0 85 Up to 8 weeks
Peaches 0 90-95 Up to 5 weeks
Pears -1-0 90-95 Up to 7 months
Apricots -1-0 90-95 1-3 weeks
Avocados 3-7 85-95  
Blackberries 0 90-95 Up to 3 days
Strawberries 0 90-95 Up to 7 days
Peppers 7-10 90-95 2-3 weeks

The table shows the variation in temperatures that different fruits need to be stored in, and the humidity within storage is also a key factor. The fruit must be stored within these conditions to get the most prolonged storage life.

All cold storage units will provide a temperature range between -40 to + 10 °C. Fruits such as bananas, need to be stored in a higher optimum temperature room known as a ‘ripening room’.  A ripening room is designed to control the atmosphere, altering the composition of atmospheric gases that are in contact with the produce. This controls the metabolic rate of the fruit, which enhances the colour, taste and quality of the produce.

CB Refrigeration Ltd specialise in all types of temperature-controlled rooms. We understand the complications with storing fresh fruit and can offer advice and a viable solution to all our customers. We provide a fully bespoke cold storage solution to tailor to your produce. If you would like to discuss your project with us, then contact us on 02920 861627 or sales@cbrefrigerationltd.co.uk.

What you can read next

10 FAQs about FGas
Reducing High Temperature Air Ingression in Refrigerated Spaces
Meet Jayne…

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Search for posts

Recent Posts

  • CB Case Study: Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

    0 comments
  • STORE REFIT – SPAR BALA (WALES)

    0 comments
  • Meet Jayne…

    0 comments

REFRIGERATION OR AIR CONDITIONING BREAKDOWN?

We operate reactive and proactive service solutions 24/7, 365 days a year. Ask us about a plan to suit you.

GET IN TOUCH

We have been serving our customers for over 50 years, supplying, installing and servicing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. We are driven by a commitment to exceed industry best practice and to deliver a valued service to our customers.

FIND OUT MORE...

  • About Us – CB Refrigeration Ltd
  • Case Studies
  • Quality Standards
  • Vacancies

.

  • Privacy Policy – GDPR
  • GDPR Opt Out Form
  • Website Ts&Cs and Cookie Policy

GET IN TOUCH

029 2086 1627

Caerphilly

01392 248666

Exeter

sales@cbrefrigerationltd.co.uk

WE'RE SOCIAL

TOP
Call Us
Map