Market
Information
About Apple Varieties
| Apple and Pear Variety Chart
| Point-of-Sale Materials | Storage
and Display | Handling Apples
| Merchandising | Apple
Grades | Frequently Asked Questions
| Retailer Information at a Glance
| Packers and Shippers | Apple
Processors
Storage
and Display
It's Cool
to be Cool
Cold storage
delays ripening by holding the fruit at temperatures cold
enough to slow down respiration. Slowing down respiration
increases the life span of apples. For example, late-maturing
apples have slower respiration than the early ones, and
they have traditionally been known as the best 'keepers.'
Controlled atmosphere
storage goes one step further and combines cold temperatures
with decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide to further
retard respiration. The apples are essentially dormant.
When the atmosphere is returned to normal and the temperature
increased, respiration increases. CA storage of apples has
been successfully used for more than 35 years. Appropriate
storage can postpone wilting, regrowth, ripening, senescence,
and decay in many types of produce.
In the produce
department: Low temperature and high humidity play key
roles in lengthening shelf life. Storing and displaying
apples at 0-4°C with 90% relative humidity will reduce
moisture loss, slow respiration rates, and inhibit growth
of decay organisms. Shelf life will be lengthened and freshness
and texture will be maintained. If you absolutely do not
have a refrigerated display case for apples, remember that
apples soften 10 times faster at 22°C than at 0°C,
so returning the apples to the refrigerator during the store's
closed hours will help prolong the life of the apples.
Apples should
not be in the mist line. Although 'misting' can
be beneficial for some produce, it can negatively affect
apples by encouraging the growth of decay organisms. Maintaining
relative humidity at 90% can inhibit the growth of bacteria
and fungi.
Apples must be
protected from freezing. Apples will freeze at -1.5°C,
so don't store them too close to the coils of your cooler
and get them promptly in off the loading dock during the
cold winter months.
Remember:
COOL IS COOL, BUT FRIGID AND HOT ARE NOT!
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