Peach Cold Storage

Important Tips for Storing Peaches in Cold Storage                  

Suitable Storage Temperature The suitable temperature for storing peaches is between 0 to 2 degrees Celsius. Storing peaches at this temperature reduces respiratory processes and enzymatic activities, thereby increasing the fruit's shelf life. Storage at temperatures below zero degrees can cause freezing and tissue damage to the fruit. Peaches are sensitive fruits that require specific temperatures for storage. If the environment is much colder, peaches may spoil, and if it is too warm, they can quickly rot. Additionally, peaches should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause spoilage and color changes. It's best to store peaches in a cool, dry, and dark environment.

Relative Humidity

The relative humidity in the cold storage should be between 90 to 95 percent. High humidity prevents weight loss and drying of the fruits. Humidifiers can be used to maintain the appropriate humidity level. Relative humidity (RH) is a crucial concept in meteorology and environmental science, referring to the ratio between the amount of water vapor present in the air and the maximum possible amount at a specific temperature. For peach storage, RH should be precisely controlled to ensure freshness and quality.

Peaches have relatively thin skin, making them more sensitive to humidity changes. If the relative humidity is too low, the skin dries out and ages quickly. Conversely, too high humidity can promote microbial and fungal growth and cause decay. For example, low RH may cause the fruit's moisture to evaporate, leading to drying, while high RH may expose the fruit to fungi and rot. Therefore, maintaining the relative humidity within the optimal range is essential for preserving the quality and freshness of peaches in cold storage.

Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for removing harmful gases such as ethylene, which can accelerate fruit ripening and reduce shelf life. The ventilation system should provide fresh air and remove polluted air. Effective cold storage must have a suitable ventilation system to ensure continuous airflow and should be carefully monitored to maintain appropriate relative humidity, preventing premature drying of peaches. The airflow should circulate evenly throughout the storage area, moving from the walls to the center, ensuring uniform temperature and humidity and even preservation of peaches. Poor airflow management can lead to spoilage or excessive drying in different storage areas. Therefore, ventilation and airflow should be optimized to align with the ideal conditions for peach storage.

Automatic Control System

 Using automatic temperature and humidity control systems can enhance precision in maintaining optimal conditions. These systems continuously monitor the conditions inside the cold storage and make necessary adjustments automatically. An automatic control system is an intelligent network used to control and manage various processes, devices, or systems. These systems consist of sensors, controllers, and actuators.

Sensors measure different environmental inputs such as temperature, pressure, humidity, speed, etc. This information is then sent to the controller. The controller analyzes the data and makes decisions to control or monitor the device or process.

Finally, actuators perform the necessary actions on devices or processes based on the controller's decisions. These actuators may be hardware or software-based.

These systems can be used in various environments, including industry, automotive, building control, robotics, and even home systems like automated temperature and light control. Using an automatic control system improves efficiency, precision, and process optimization, making it economically beneficial.

Appropriate Packaging

 Various types of packaging are used for optimal peach storage in cold storage. These packages have different features that help preserve the peaches and prevent spoilage. One important type of packaging for peaches is ventilated bags. These bags are made from materials like porous plastic, allowing airflow. Some have ventilation systems to help control the temperature and humidity inside the bag. These bags allow peaches to be stored in an environment with controlled conditions, preventing premature spoilage.

Ventilated crates are another packaging option for peaches. These crates are usually made of plastic with ventilation holes to allow proper air circulation. They help in the safe transport of peaches to and from the cold storage, preventing the buildup of spoilage gases inside the crates. Additionally, cardboard boxes can also be used for peach packaging. These boxes may have ventilation holes or be made from ventilated cardboard materials. They provide a suitable environment for peach storage and are also suitable for transportation, preventing damage to the fruit during the process. Each type of packaging has specific features and benefits, and choosing the appropriate one should consider the storage and transport conditions.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

 The cold storage should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the growth of microorganisms and pathogens. Using appropriate disinfectants and proper ventilation can help maintain hygiene in the storage area. Additionally, spoiled fruits should not be allowed into the cold storage.

Arrangement, Volume Capacity, and Storage of Peaches in Cold Storage              

 To maintain the quality and freshness of peaches in cold storage, the arrangement and volume capacity are crucial. Peaches can be arranged horizontally and vertically. In horizontal arrangement, the boxes containing peaches are placed at appropriate distances to ensure airflow, with a usual spacing of about 5 to 10 centimeters. In vertical arrangement, boxes are stacked vertically, using vertical shelving for better ventilation and easier access to the fruits.

Using plastic or wooden pallets is also effective for moving and organizing peaches. Pallets should be arranged to allow sufficient airflow, with a usual spacing of about 10 to 15 centimeters.

Regarding the volume capacity of the cold storage, it should be determined based on the production and storage needs, without overloading the storage to ensure efficient ventilation and cooling. Peaches should be evenly distributed across the storage area to maintain uniform temperature and humidity.

Using standard boxes, such as durable and ventilated boxes, is essential and a key point in storage. The usual box sizes should fit optimally within the storage space. Proper spacing between boxes is also crucial for airflow and easy access to the fruits, with a usual spacing of about 5 to 10 centimeters.

For increased efficiency and better airflow, boxes can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern with appropriate spacing. Additionally, safety considerations such as clear access paths and emergency exits, and using protective equipment are necessary.

Finally, labeling the boxes with information on the harvest date, peach type, and production location is important. Using identification systems like barcodes or QR codes can help manage inventory and track products. Implementing these methods can protect the quality and freshness of peaches for a longer period and increase the efficiency of cold storage.