Running a business and want to ensure the supplies of fruits remain fresh? You probably know that it’s easier said than done. Constant temperature changes affect freshness and cause items to spoil much sooner.
But you can still improve their shelf life and ripeness if you follow some little-known techniques. In today’s article, we’re going to mention these. Let’s get started.
Use Hussmann Shelving
Hussmann shelving and display cases use advanced, multi-velocity air curtains. They also have uniform coil designs, which maintain a consistent temperature. This is the most critical factor in slowing down the respiration rate of fresh produce.
These multi-velocity air curtains also form an invisible barrier at the front of the case, which traps cold air and blocks warmer store air.
The produce is also kept right above its freezing point. It stops microbial growth and enzymatic reactions. Consistent temperature is also maintained with little to no fluctuation.
Lastly, the equipment also utilizes low-heat LED lighting, which doesn’t raise the ambient temperature of the shelf.
Take Advantage of Indoor LED Grow Lights
While they can’t physically preserve the harvested fruit, the indoor LED grow lights can actively ripen fruit and maintain post-harvest freshness longer than normal room light.
These lights emit blue and red wavelengths, which are great for ripening fruit when it is stored on the counter. They also keep picked fruits like strawberries looking fresh. The light also has an antibacterial effect that slows down the growth of harmful food pathogens.
If you want to grow fruits indoors, you can give the plants the correct amount of light to help them thrive.
Different Techniques for Different Types of Fruits
If you’re dealing with berries, never wash them until you’re ready to eat them. You can store them in their original breathable containers and leave the lid slightly open to release humidity.
For citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, you can keep them on the counter for about a week. You can increase their shelf life to 3 to 4 weeks if you store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
The apples and grapes can be stored in perforated plastic bags. It’s important to always keep apples away from other produce (because they emit a high level of ethylene gas that can cause spoilage to the surrounding fruits).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You should never pack produce too tightly in your fridge drawers, as it could stop the flow of fresh air. Similarly, excessive water causes fruit to rot quickly. If you want to wash fruit ahead of time, you need to dry it completely before storing it.
The case with tomatoes is a bit different. They should stay on the counter at room temperature, as the cold in the fridge could ruin their texture and flavor. But yes, you can put fully ripe tomatoes in the fridge to preserve them for a few extra days.
Final Thoughts
The techniques we’ve mentioned above are also cost-effective, which means you can keep the supplies fresh without spending an arm and a leg.
