Entries by SEMCO

The Effective Cooling and Storing of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a unique food item in that they are neither technically vegetables nor meat. Instead they make up their own food category and the preparation and cooking of mushrooms will vary significantly depending on the dish. In some dishes they may be prepared as a focal point, meat-substitute, a role they are well equipped […]

Cooling Considerations for Spinach Post-Harvest

Spinach is practically the embodiment of healthy eating in the US. It can be found in abundance in salads, soups, and other dishes, particularly “Florentine” recipes. Spinach’s reputation for health and nutrition isn’t all hype either; it contains bountiful amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, folate, and manganese. However, […]

Post-Harvest Cooling and Storage Facts for Oranges

Oranges are the most cultivated fruit in the world. In 2010 alone there were an estimated 68.3 million metric tons of oranges grown. They are extremely popular when eaten fresh, are common ingredients in juices, desserts, preserves, and other dishes, and are even valued for their rind. The taste and quality of oranges will naturally […]

Cooling and Storing Lettuce Post-Harvest

Lettuce is one of the world’s most popular leafy green vegetables. It is often consumed on hamburgers and sandwiches or in wraps or soup. Additionally it may be an ingredient in various recipes and dishes. Regardless of its use, quality and freshness is crucially important and in order to achieve maximum freshness the lettuce must […]

Cooling Methods for Eggplants After Harvest

Eggplants play an important culinary role in stews, sauces, and other dishes throughout the world and across many different cultures and styles of cuisine. They are renowned for their own complex, rich flavor as well as their ability to absorb the flavor and juices of the foods they are cooked in. For best results though […]

Methods for Cooling Tomatoes After Harvest

Tomatoes are an extremely popular type of produce that are used in a wide variety of dishes and which may be eaten fresh and raw, turned into paste or sauce, or of course used for America’s favorite condiment: ketchup. However, for optimum taste and quality it is very important that the temperature of tomatoes be […]

Methods for Cooling and Properly Storing Lemons After Harvest

Lemons are beloved the world over for their characteristic sour kick as well as their versatility in juices and beverages, cooking, and baking. The old adage may suggest that one make lemonade when given lemons, but there are certainly countless other options available as well. For lemons to truly pack the most flavorful, nutritious punch […]

Correctly Cooling and Storing Pumpkins After Harvest

It’s fall and that means one of America’s most popular crops, the pumpkin, is in season. Pumpkins are extremely popular as carved jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween, as festive decorations all fall long, and of course as tasty holiday treats such as pumpkin pie. As with most food crops proper storage and handling of pumpkins after harvest […]

The Advantages of Using Ice to Cool Fish

Ice is indisputably the champion when it comes to cooling methods for fish and seafood. Fish may be placed in a refrigerated, insulated container, a non-refrigerated, insulated container, or a non-refrigerated, non-insulated container. However, while refrigeration and insulation may be somewhat optional depending on the circumstances, ice seldom is. The vast majority of all seafood […]

Best Practices for Post-Harvest Cooling of Peas and Beans

Peas and beans are one of the most popular types of food in the US. They are often sold fresh, frozen, or canned and they are considered a staple by millions of Americans. However, in order for peas and beans to taste their best and offer the most nutritional value possible it is important that […]