The raspberry is a delicious fruit that people have been enjoying for years. There are a number of different types of raspberries that contain their own special traits and tastes. These fruit are also grown in many parts of the world, which allows for the use of different cooling and preservation practices. Take a look at a few key facts about raspberries, as well as some of the most effective ways to cool and store this delicious fruit.
Raspberry Facts
Raspberries are a common commercial fruit with a variety of daily uses. As a rich source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber, this fruit is a common choice for individuals looking to maintain a healthy diet. They are often eaten amongst other fruits and vegetables in various salads, eaten by themselves as a snack or added as a sweetener in different shakes and smoothies. With certain types of raspberries it is also quite common to create different jams and preserves.
There are a variety of species of raspberries, many of which possess their own unique look and taste. The most common type is the red raspberry. This variation is often used commercially and is actually a hybrid of two species of raspberries. The black raspberry is the next popular option, and many jams and preserves are derived from this species. Other choice raspberries are derived from the first two; purple raspberries are a hybrid of red and black variants, while blue raspberries are a hybrid of purple and blue types. Sometimes these cross-pairs create pale-yellow colored raspberries, which are often called golden or yellow raspberries and still hold the distinct taste of their colorful red and black predecessors.
General Information about Cooling and Storing Raspberries
Though there are a number of various raspberry species and hybrids, the cooling and storing strategies are pretty much universal. Considering that the fruit is prone to spoiling quickly, it is important that it be cooled properly to help in the preservation process. There are a few key pieces of information to know and understand about their particular cooling needs.
Precooling – It is important to keep raspberries cool until you complete the full cooling process. Otherwise, they are prone to go bad quickly. The key to precooling this fruit is to get the proper temperature and humidity. Too much cold can damage the fruit, and too little cold can leave it susceptible to ethylene damage.
Temperature – The optimum temperature for preserving raspberries is 32⁰F.
Relative Humidity – Raspberries require a high relative humidity. They should be stored at a relative humidity level of 90-95%.
Shelf Life – Fresh raspberries do not have an extended shelf life. They usually last between two to three days when kept in the refrigerator. It is not suggested that they be left out or in a pantry.
Methods of Cooling Raspberries
It is clear to see that proper cooling is critical in the preservation process for raspberries. Not all cooling process are appropriate for this berry, and it is important that you understand which process works best. Below are two of the main cooling processes that can and should be used in preserving raspberries and how they work.
Room Cooling – As the name indicates, the produce is placed inside of a room that is insulated and equipped with refrigeration units. To actually cool the berries, larger refrigerators are needed; however, if the room were being utilized to simply preserve fruit that had already been cooled, then smaller units could be used. Either way, the units should be arranged within the room in a way that allows the cool air to flow around easily so that it is able to properly cool the raspberries. This is considered to be one of the slower cooling methods, though it is still quite effective.
Forced-Air Cooling – This type of cooling system is similar to a cooling room, in that the produce is placed in an insulated room with refrigerators, however there are also fans strategically placed in the room to create a greater circulation of air. The added fans help to speed up the cooling process by about 75-90%.
Having the right cooling system is critical in protecting your produce. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we manufacture and install industrial sized cooling systems to fit your needs. You can get a system designed to your specifications so that you may receive the best use out your machine.