Elderberries Post-Harvest Cooling Information

Elderberries have a long and colorful tradition in North America, stemming from their use by Native Americans for everything from music to healing. The whole plant was a center of enrichment for the lives of Native American tribe members, as they used the woody stems to stoke fires and make flutes, the berries for healing and food, and the remainder of the plant for other uses. Today, elderberries are hailed for their health properties, having sufficient nutrients to make them widely desired, and applications ranging from jams and wines to desserts. However, as they must be cooked before use, and they ripen at different times on the vine, proper storage is an item that requires consideration.

Methods to Consider for Cooling Elderberries after Harvest

Elderberries, like other berries, must be properly preserved after harvest in order to remain useable. Immediate cooling is advised, as any time at room temperature encourages mold, decay and rot.

Forced-Air Cooling – Cooling methods vary, but generally a forced air system is the most effective and efficient method for all types of berries. A forced air system is one where cold air is circulated through a cooled room in order to surround the berry with lower temperature air and cool the produce.

Hydrocooling – Hydrocooling is performed by submerging the produce in very cold water. This is not the best method for cooling berries after harvest because it does not sufficiently lower the temperature of the produce, but it can be successfully used as a pre-cooling method.

Methods to Avoid for Cooling Elderberries after Harvest

Room cooling – Room cooling is a system in which the room is cooled down to the appropriate temperature and the berries are allowed to adjust to the ambient temperature on their own – is inefficient for berries, and the cooling process is not fast enough to suit them.

Ice Packing – Ice packing, while somewhat faster and more efficient for short-term storage, is complicated where berries are concerned because of the fragility of the produce.

Vacuum Cooling – Produce that has structure that readily releases water, such as leafy greens, do well with a vacuum cooling system where the room is subjected to a vacuum that removes pressure from the room, thereby evaporating moisture and lowering the temperature, but the water barrier that forms the outside of the elderberry makes this an ineffective method for cooling them.

Hydrovac Cooling – Hydrovac cooling, a combination of hydrocooling and vacuum cooling where water is added to the produce just as they begin to lose water through the vacuum process, is ineffective for berries for the same reason.

When properly cooled after harvest, elderberries can be used in any number of applications. They aren’t suitable for eating raw due to the presence of toxins, and so must be properly stored before use to ensure that they can be utilized to their fullest potential when ready.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you design a forced-air or hydrocooling system ideal for use with elderberries or other produce. We design these systems individually for each client and meticulously focus on the quality, integrity and dependability of the system to ensure that it will serve our clients well as they cool and store their fresh produce.

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Information about Cooling and Storing Blackberries Post-Harvest

The blackberry is a fruit that is popular around the world. It’s known for its high nutritional content. Blackberries have higher antioxidants than most other fruit, which you can tell by its deep purple-black color. They lower the risk of the flu, cancer, and other diseases. Women can even eat blackberries during labor to naturally reduce the pain. The fruit isn’t the only part of the plant that can be consumed. The leaves can be turned into an herbal tea. The tea is also good for treating inflammation in your gums, sore throats, and it works as mouth wash.

Blackberries are self-fertile and grow easily in shallow soil. They require 3 to 8 feet of space between bushes, depending on breed and should be planted in early spring. Blackberries grow best in full sun in fertile soil that has good drainage. Healthy blackberry plants will produce harvestable fruit for about 15 to 20 years.

General Information about Cooling and Storing Blackberries

Blackberries are more expensive to produce than many other crops. This is because the sensitive berry is easily damaged in stormy weather. Rain, hail, and strong winds can break the berry, making it mushy and inedible. Once you have harvested your blackberries, you need to make sure that you handle, cool, and store them properly so you don’t lose any more crop than you have to. Here is some important information regarding cooling and storing your blackberries so they are perfect for consumption.

Respiration – Blackberries respire, just as many other fruits and vegetables do, so they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide. You need to make sure that you store blackberries in well-ventilated crates or containers. Without proper ventilation, the carbon dioxide will build up around the blackberries and cause them to spoil. Respiration is also why cooling is so important. The colder your crop is, the slower they respire, allowing them to last much longer.

Temperature – Blackberries need to be stored at an adequate temperature. If they are too warm or too cold after harvesting, they will soften and become rotten. Blackberries should be stored between 31-32 degree at all times.

Relative Humidity – The proper humidity for storing blackberries is about 90-95%. Without the right amount of humidity, they lose moisture. The loss of moisture will turn your plump, juicy blackberries into small, shriveled, black rocks.

Shelf Life – Aside from raspberries, blackberries have the shortest shelf life of all fruit. They can be stored for 2-3 days before they begin to spoil. However, there are some things you can do to increase the shelf life by a couple days. Of course, cooling the blackberries quickly is important for increasing the shelf life. The other sanitizing the fruit.

Methods of Sanitizing Blackberries

Large companies have their own ways of cleaning and sanitizing their crop. If you have a home-based farm, you could be lacking the specialized equipment to do this. Having your own farmer’s market doesn’t mean that you can’t sanitize your blackberries effectively. A natural vinegar wash will kill spores on your blackberries so they can last as long as possible. To do this, you need 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Soak your blackberries in the solution for about 10 minutes, and then rinse with water.

Methods of Cooling Blackberries

Room Cooling – Room cooling is one method to cooling blackberries and many other crops. To cool your blackberries with this method, you will put them in space that is lined with cooling units. The unit will be set to cool the blackberries to their proper temperature. This should be done before putting the blackberries in a refrigeration unit

Forced-Air Cooling – If you don’t feel like room cooling is cooling your blackberries quickly enough, you can use the forced-air cooling method. Forced-air cooling works well for blackberries because of how low their required storing temperatures are. If you have a large harvest, forced air cooling tends to work better because it circulates the air between the bunched blackberries. The faster your blackberries are cooled, the slower their respiration rate becomes, and they will take longer to rot.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands that our clients work hard to grow healthy, delicious blackberries. It is thus imperative that these fantastic berries be properly cooled and stored with great cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC delivers industry-leading cooling and storage systems that can be fully customized to meet each client’s unique needs and circumstances. Please contact us for more information.

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Methods for Cooling Potatoes after Harvest

As the fourth-largest food crop in the world, potatoes are staple foods. With over a thousand different types of potatoes, they are a diverse form of produce that are widely used for cooking across the globe. They can be used whole, or chopped up to add to different dishes, as well as pureed for various uses. They also maintain an extensive shelf life, however they must be properly cooled. Check out these interesting facts about potatoes, as well as proper cooling practices and techniques.

Facts about Potatoes

Though it was previously believed that potatoes were cultivated in various parts of the world, studies have shown that they originated in southern Peru. Since their origin potatoes have found various homes and have become a staple in cooking. They are commonly used in every country, however they are quite essential in Europe and have been for centuries. Over the last few decades they have also grown constant in southern and eastern Asia. In fact, surveys revealed that a third of the potatoes in the world are harvested in China and India.

Potatoes grow with little effort in a variety of climates and are fairly easy to harvest. These factors have contributed to their diversification. From small red potatoes, to large russet potatoes to sweet potatoes, there are a variety of potato versions to choose from, all of which can be utilized to create a myriad of dishes. A few common uses of potato across the globe include: baked, boiled and fried. Outside of common uses, they are considered important aspects of traditional dishes in many countries. For instance, chopped, fried potatoes are a main component of the infamous British “fish and chips,” and in Lithuania, riced potatoes are an essential ingredient in the national dish, Cepelinai. With the different tastes of the diverse forms of potatoes and the textures and flavors that may be cultivated, the variations of potato dishes and uses are virtually endless.

General Information about Cooling and Storing Potatoes

Potatoes do have a longer shelf life than many other types of produce; however, in order for them to reach their full potential they must be properly cooled and stored after harvest. In order to achieve this there are a few factors that must be considered.

Temperature – The temperature needs can vary based on the state of the potato. After it has initially been harvested and cooled, it may be kept in temperatures ranging from 40-50⁰. Once it has sat for a while, it will need to be kept in slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from 50-60⁰.

Relative Humidity – Potatoes need to be kept at a pretty high level of humidity. It is suggested that they have a relative humidity of 90%.

Shelf Life – When potatoes have been properly cooled after harvest and are kept at appropriate temperatures and humidity levels, they can maintain a relatively long shelf life. It is estimated that they can last from 56 to 140 days. However, it should be noted that they become more sensitive to ethylene the longer that they sit unused.

Proper Cooling Systems for Potatoes

In cooling produce there are a variety of possible options that may be applied. However, not every choice is right for every type of produce. Some options may make the items too cold or not cold enough. There are a couple of methods that are often used to cool potatoes.

Room Cooling – This technique requires an insulated room and refrigerators. Basically, the produce is placed inside of the room and the fridges cool it. Depending upon the size of the room and amount of produce, various sizes and quantities of refrigerators may be required. Even still, this is considered one of the slower cooling methods.

Forced-Air Cooling – This cooling method could be considered an advancement to the cooling room technique. It incorporates the same concept of placing the produce in an insulated room with refrigerators, and it adds strategically placed fans to help circulate the air. This aids in speeding up the cooling process 75-90%.

To properly maintain your potatoes, make sure that you have the right cooling system in place. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufactures industrial cooling and storage systems that are ideal for use with potatoes and other produce. We will take factors such as capacity, budget, required time line and other key information into consideration to ensure that every client gets the best system possible.

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How Ice and Refrigeration Services Make Fresh Produce Possible

Maintaining fresh produce at a constant temperature is the key to ensuring it remains at the highest quality possible up to the moment it reaches consumers. When fruits and vegetables are harvested, creating optimum cooling conditions in a timely manner is of the utmost importance.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC creates cooling and storage solutions that are tailored to each customer’s need, so produce that requires quick cooling and high humidity won’t be left in uncertain conditions. The three most important factors in maintaining produce quality are temperature, humidity and shelf life.

A fruit that requires high humidity but near-freezing temperatures for storage will have little chance for bacteria growth, but only if it is rapidly cooled directly after harvest. One of the most important factors in avoiding fruit and vegetable spoilage is reducing the amount of time between its harvest and initial cooling. Many fruits and vegetables bruise and ripen quickly without adequate and immediate cooling. As you consider your cooling needs, take a few moments to review how various cooling methods work and their role in regulating temperature and humidity.

Precooling Produce

Removing field heat from fruits and vegetables is known simply as precooling. It is an umbrella term for the numerous methods listed below for best preserving the current state of produce and avoiding ruin. Many times, a combination of methods are used to most effectively lower the temperature of produce just after harvesting and to then regulate the temperature in the near future.

Hydrocooling Produce

Fruit that must be picked in the afternoon sun can spoil in temperatures that often soar above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When workers need to remove field heat quickly, one of the most effective methods for immediate results is hydrocooling. Just as you would assume, this term means the fruit or vegetables are submerged in water that hovers just above freezing. This is an extremely effective method for quickly removing field heat, but it is not a cost effective, efficient method for complete cooling and is instead a type of pre-cooling that is typically used in conjunction with other cooling methods.

Room Cooling Produce

In this cooling method, warm produce from the field is placed in a refrigerated room for cooling that lasts, at a minimum, for 24 hours. They can extend to much longer times if correct airflow allowances are not incorporated around boxes or if the produce is incorrectly packaged. Room cooling requires larger refrigeration units than rooms where previously cooled fruits and vegetables are stored.

Controlled Atmosphere Produce

Controlled atmosphere is a cooling and storage method that carefully controls not only temperature and humidity levels but also the levels of different gases in the atmosphere. This method is not preferred for most produce and is only used for citrus and apples in controlled atmospheric storage. CA storage requires that you carefully control a number of factors: oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature.

Apples ripen when they take in oxygen and the starches in their flesh turn to sugar, leading them to give off carbon dioxide. When access to oxygen is reduced, the process of ripening slows. The quality of fruit in room cooling is acceptable, but does not always provide the optimal quality seen when rapid cooling is used.

Forced-Air Cooling Produce

Ventilating air through a cooler or refrigerated room is an active way to ensure produce stabilizes in temperature, and works more quickly than the results achieved with a method such as room cooling. In this method, produce is placed around large fans that pull cool air through it.

Vacuum- and Water Spray Vacuum Cooling Produce

These methods are generally used just for crops such as leafy vegetables. They release water vapor quickly, making it possible to cool them in a short time. For these products, even when they’re wrapped in a plastic film, cooling can be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Packaged Icing Produce

This is a less common method in which crushed or flaked ice is used to cool a commodity and then maintain its temperature. The ice maintains high humidity for produce and results in reduced moisture loss. One of the disadvantages of packaged icing is that meltwater can damage nearby produce during mixed shipments. It continues as a traditional form of cooling and is still often used for broccoli.

Packaged ice is one of the numerous products offered by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to meet each customer’s needs with the most appropriate solution. Not every individual farmer needs a large cooling system. If you need to cool a specific crop that is small in quantity, ask if the same results can be achieved with a simpler, more cost-effective method.

Transport Cooling Produce

In some areas, no cooling infrastructure is available to rapidly cool products from the field, such as bananas. For these products, farmers use refrigerated ships and containers that lower temperatures during shipping. You should note that inadequate airflow is found in highway trailers and they should not be used to cool produce. No matter which cooling method you choose, take a moment to contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC about the customized system that works best for moving your produce from farm to table at the highest quality.

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Avoid These 5 Fish Cooling Mistakes

Fish and other seafood is highly perishable. If not stored properly immediately after catching fish, it could pose dangers to anyone who consumes it. There are some indicators that you can look for that will tell you if a fish isn’t fresh and hasn’t been cooled properly while stored. A fresh fish will have slightly bulging, clear eyes. If the eyes are sunken in and glossed over, it’s a good indicator that is has begun to spoil. If you are buying whole fish, the skin should be moist and shiny with pink gills. If the skin is dry or developing a slimy, dull, and/or developing a shiny film, it may not be safe for consumption. The smell of the fish will also tell you if the fish is fresh and has been stored properly. Fish have a mild smell, if the smell is strong, you shouldn’t eat it.

Dangers of an Industrial Fishing Company Inadequately Cooling Fish

If industrial and commercial fishing companies aren’t adequately cooling their fish, then they are selling spoiled fish in mass quantities. Not identifying that the fish is spoiled and consuming it will lead to many dangerous health effects. If fish isn’t cooled immediately after catching it, bacteria will begin to grow. The higher the temperature rises on the fish, the faster the bacteria will grow. Salmonella is a bacteria that grows on raw fish. If you are using or fish for sushi or undercooking it, then you are relying on how quickly it was cooled for your health. Being subjected to salmonella will give you food poisoning symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting and chills within 24 hours of consumption.

Top 5 Fish Cooling Mistakes an Industrial Fishing Company Might Make

  1. Not Planning the Voyage Properly – Planning is important when it comes to how you will handle the fish. If you are out on the water for longer than you have planned to be you could run out of space and ice for the fish, leaving it out to spoil.
  2. Not bringing Enough Ice – Not bringing enough ice is another problem that can lead to spoiled fish. You need to plan on not only cooling all the fish that you will catch, but to replace ice that will melt while you’re out on the water too.
  3. Using the Wrong Type of Ice – Bringing any type of ice out onto the water isn’t good enough. You need to make sure you bring the right type of ice. Bringing large chunks will take up too much space in the coolers and not leave enough space for the fish. Bringing ice that is crushed into pieces that are too small will cause them to melt too quickly. You need medium-sized ice chunks that will last without bulking up the cooler and taking too much space.
  4. Not Having Adequate Insulation in the Cargo Storage Area – Insulation in the storage area is key to keeping the fish fresh. The ice will melt too quickly if the storage isn’t properly insulated. Even if the ice begins to melt, the storage area will stay colder longer with proper insulation.
  5. Failing to Get the Fish Cooled and Covered Quickly Enough – Fish need to be covered and cooled immediately after coming out of the water. It might seem easier to wait until you have a lot of fish, but every minute that they aren’t cooling, they’re growing bacteria.

Avoiding these top 5 fish cooling mistakes is an important first step for helping industrial fishermen prevent spoilage. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC customizes cooling and storage systems ideal for use with best practices of fish cooling. We can also advise clients about their fish cooling and storage options to ensure that they get the absolute best system for their needs.

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Cooling and Storage Options for Olives

An olive is a small, egg-shaped fruit that grows on an olive tree. Olive trees are popular in warm regions such as the western side of Asia and the Mediterranean Sea. Olives need war, weather and sun throughout the day. Olive trees can grow in just about any type of soil, but they particularly thrive in soil with high limestone content. An olive tree takes about four years to produce its first fruit. There isn’t enough fruit to harvest until they are about 15 years old, which is still young for an olive tree. The average olive tree will leave between 300 and 600 years, although some have lived well over 1,000 years. Green olives and black olives are both extremely common to eat and they have a very different taste. The difference between black and green olives in not the type of tree; the difference is when they are picked. Green olives are unripe, and they turn black when they are fully ripened.

General Information about Cooling and Storing Olives

  • Respiration – Fruits and vegetables respire, which means that they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide like humans do. Without proper ventilation, fruits and vegetables go bad because the air around them becomes filled with carbon dioxide and they run out of oxygen to take in. Without enough oxygen, they begin to rot. Make sure olives are in ventilated crates.
  • Temperature – When storing olives, you need to make sure that they are at a proper temperature. If they are too warm then they will rot. If the temperature is too cold, then they will be susceptible to chill injury, which involves browning of the skin and a change in the taste. Olives should stored in temperatures between 41 and 50 degrees. Olives can withstand cooler temperatures for short periods of time. The coldest that they should ever be stored is 32 degrees.
  • Relative Humidity – The optimum relative humidity levels for storing olives is about 90-95% This will keep the olives for losing moisture and becoming dry and shriveled.
  • Shelf Life – If olives are stored between 32 and 40 degrees, it can’t be longer than two weeks. After two weeks, the skin browning and pitting will begin. At proper temperatures, fresh olives can be stored for about 6 weeks before they need to be cured.

General Information about Curing Olives

Unlike most fruits, olives do not taste good when eaten right off the tree. They need to be cured or you will be eating a bitter fruit. The way you cure it depends on the type of olive that you are trying to make. Kalamata olives, Greek olives, regular green olives, Spanish olives, and many others are all made just by using a different brine for curing. Some olives are simply water cured, while others are cured in the a pickling brine. First, you slice each olive lengthwise so the brine can penetrate the skin. Next, you soak the olives in water, in a glass or food-grade plastic container for 8 to 10 days, changing the mixture each day. Once they are finished, you have to soak them in a finish brine for a month. The finishing brine consists of pickling salt, cold water, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Other finishing brines are similar; however, some might contain a different kind of vinegar, lemon, garlic and other seasonings to obtain the different taste. Other types, such as Greek olives, will soak in the pickling mixture from the beginning, instead of just cool water for the first 10 days, and then they will sit in the finishing brine for two months.

Methods of Cooling Olives

Forced-Air Cooling – Olives shouldn’t be submerged in water until they are ready to be cured. They also shouldn’t be packed in ice, because olives shouldn’t be stored at below or even near-freezing temperatures. Forced-air cooling is a sufficient way to cool olives. It will allow them to cool quickly without exposing them to pitting and browning skin. With forced-air cooling, they are placed in a refrigerated space surrounded by fans. The fans will push the airflow to the olives and cool them quickly and evenly.

Olives are a delicious fruit that is popular around the world, and SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC knows how important it is to ensure that they are cooled and stored properly. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC will create an effective cooling system that meets your exact specifications, so you can get your olives from the tree to the table.

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Properly Packaging Produce After Harvest

Produce is a key element of a healthy and varied diet. Fruits and vegetable contain vitamins, fiber and antioxidants are essential to continued health and vitality. To preserve peak flavor as well as the full health benefits of produce, proper harvesting, cooling and storing techniques are necessary. With the use of the right equipment, it is easy to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and flavorful. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs cooling systems to client specifications to provide effective and energy-efficient cooling that is best for the type of produce being cooled and stored.

Importance of Harvesting at the Right Time

The first step to ensuring that your produce will stay fresh and preserve its qualities for as long as possible is to harvest it at the proper time. Harvesting before the proper stage of maturity can result in decreased flavor. On the other hand, if produce is left to mature for too long, it will become fibrous or begin to spoil. Overripe produce can also develop cracks that let in bacteria and accelerate decay.

Using the Proper Harvesting Equipment and Techniques

Using the right equipment and techniques is a significant factor in the quality of the harvested produce. As a general rule, to minimize damage and decay, experts recommend that fruits and vegetables be subject to a minimum of handling, and that harvesting containers should be smooth on the inside so that the produce is not scratched. Bulk bins used for harvesting should either be ventilated or should only be used for a short interval. If your produce will be transported in bulk bins, make sure they are perforated; otherwise, the heat build-up from the produce will accelerate decay. At all times, rough handling of the produce should be avoided as far as possible. In order to reduce cooling needs later on, produced should be harvested during the coolest time of day.

Packaging

After harvesting, produce is transported to the facility where it is packaged. The specific type of packaging can depend on the size and fragility of a specific fruit or vegetable. Packaging should be optimized for maximum protection from damage and ease of handling. The sturdiness of the packaging can also vary depending on the quantity of produce and the distance and means of future transportation. Materials include cardboard, plastic and wood. Another consideration is the amount of ventilation necessary, particularly for produce with high respiration rates that can generate damaging heat. For this type of produce, some facilities use expanded polystyrene packaging covered with ice.

Cooling Methods

Utilizing proper cooling methods plays a large role in preserving the high quality of your produce. When cooling procedures are performed correctly, they slow the growth of harmful molds and bacteria, slow water loss that causes wilting, reduce the continuous ripening process that leads to over ripeness, and slows the enzymatic process that results in softening. Cooling your produce allows it to stay fresh and tasty for longer.

The proper cooling method will depend both on the type of produce being harvested and on its volume. Agricultural professionals suggest that harvesters consider the following cooling methods:

Packaging Produce with Room Cooling

The simplest method is room cooling, which consists of putting the produce inside a room with refrigeration units cooling the air and insulation to keep the cooled air inside. The advantage of this method is that, depending on the size of the room, it can provide refrigeration to a large volume of produce at one time. Well-designed cooling rooms can also conserve energy. This method is especially effective for produce that has already been pre-cooled. The main disadvantage of this method is that it may not be quick enough for some types of produce. If the produce was not previously cooled and there is still a large amount of field-heat, the produce may not achieve its optimum cooling temperature.

Packaging Produce with Forced-Air Cooling

Forced-air cooling is used to increase the output of a regular cooling room. In addition to the refrigeration units already in the room, forced-air cooling involves installing fans that increase the speed with which the cool air circulates throughout the produce. For maximum energy efficiency, fans may be regulated by a thermostat to automatically turn them off as soon as optimum temperature is reached. This system will also reduce water loss and wilting that can result from over-cooling.

Packaging Produce with Hydrocooling

Hydrocooling is an effective method for produce that can withstand wetting and humidity. To employ this method, chilled water is allowed to flow over the produce. The chief advantage of this method is that it can quickly cool a large volume of produce. On the other hand, this method uses more energy than room cooling and forced-air cooling. It should also not be used on produce that is vulnerable to the microorganisms such as mold and bacteria that can grow in a wet environment.

Packaging Produce with Ice

Ice is also used to cool produce, using either top icing or liquid icing. The top icing method involves placing crushed ice inside the container on top of the produce. For liquid icing, a mix of water and crushed ice is sprayed inside containers through vents. This method is quick way to cool produce without unpacking it. It is especially useful for produce that is packed too densely for forced air to circulate and cool effectively. Once deposited, ice will continue to cool; this property makes this method a good choice for produce with a high respiration rate. Like hydrocooling, this is not an appropriate method for moisture-sensitive produce.

Packaging Produce with Vacuum Cooling

Vacuum cooling is a method that entails placing the produce in a metal cylindrical container and then evacuating the air, which results in the rapid evaporation of water and a lowered temperature. While this method is effective and energy-efficient, the equipment is expensive. As a result, it is used primarily for produce like leafy greens that has a large surface area and is therefore not easily cooled through forced air or hydrocooling.

Packaging Produce with Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling is implemented by misting the produce with water while also directing a stream of dry air at it. This is a good method for produce that needs high humidity and does not need to be very cool. This method will not work to significantly reduce temperatures.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures and installs cooling systems that can be used to optimize the implementation of the above methods. When deciding which system to choose, consider the type of produce that needs to be cooled, as well as its volume and type of packaging.

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Methods for Cooling Apricots after Harvest

With their unique velvety skin and tender, sweet flesh, apricots are a delicate fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are often thought to have originated in Armenia, but there are also claims that apricots originally hail from India or possibly China. Despite the dispute over their country of origin, one thing is certain— apricots are now cherished and appreciated all over the world. In order for apricots to be enjoyed fresh in many areas, they must be cooled and stored using appropriate cooling and storage methods. Read on to discover more facts about apricots as well as the proper cooling and storage methods needed to help freshly deliver this delicious fruit all around the globe.

General Facts About Apricots

The scientific name for apricots, Prunus Armeniaca or “Armenian plum,” shadows the implication that apricots first originated in Armenia. Dried apricots were a valuable commodity in Persian trade routes of ancient times, and the Egyptians, who dry the fruit and then add a sweetener to make Ramadan apricot juice, have used them for centuries. Apricot trees are native to climates with a wide range of temperature variation, as they need cooler winters for dormancy and drier summers for proper fruit maturation.

Apricot trees are well known for producing popcorn-like bouquets of small flowers in the early spring before the leaves and fruit begin to grow. The single seeds or kernels that apricots produce are enclosed within a hard shell called a “stone.” Apricot kernels are often used to flavor liqueurs, cookies, and apricot jams, and if the kernels are a very sweet breed, they can also be used as substitutes for almonds in cooking and baking.

General Information About Cooling and Storing Apricots

Fresh apricots can be enjoyed even in areas where they are not typically produced because of proper harvesting, cooling, and storage of the fruit. Once picked, the quality of apricots cannot be improved, only maintained. Because of this, it is important to follow proper cooling and storage guidelines to guarantee safe delivery of the fruit to consumers as well as ensure maximum return on investment for growers.

Apricots should be gathered during the coolest time of the day, and kept shaded until the crop can be brought to storage facilities. Rapidly cooling the produce as soon as is reasonably possible can help to delay bacteria growth and further ripening of the fruit.

Apricots should be stored away from producers of ethylene, a natural hormone that is released by certain fruits and vegetables as they ripen, including apricots. Storing apricots with other ethylene producers, such as apples, peaches, pears or plums, or with damaged and diseased apricots, will increase the risk of the rest of the apricots ripening too quickly and thus possibly spoil the entire harvest.

Temperature – Apricots must be stored at very cold to freezing temperatures, ideally 32° F, to maintain their freshness.

Relative Humidity – Apricots are stored best at a relative humidity of 90-95%. While such a high humidity may encourage the growth of disease and bacteria, the very cold temperatures that apricots require, along with proper sanitation, can help reduce the chances of bacteria growth.

Shelf Life – Following harvest, apricots have a shelf life of 7-14 days if cooled and stored properly.

Methods of Cooling Apricots

In order to safeguard the freshness of ripe apricots, they must be cooled properly right after harvest. Apricots that are not cooled thoroughly can be easily bruised or the flesh torn, making them less appealing to shoppers. The best methods for cooling apricots are room cooling and hydrocooling.

Room Cooling – Placing the apricots in a room furnished with cooling units can help bring the apricots to an ideal storage temperature. Rooms that are being used specifically for cooling the apricots require larger refrigeration units than rooms that are only being used to store previously cooled fruit.

Hydrocooling – Submerging freshly picked apricots into cold water or pouring cold water directly over the fruit is an effective method of removing heat from the fruit quickly and safely. It can also function to help clean the fruit if a disinfectant is added to the water.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC works hard to help growers protect their harvest by manufacturing and installing quality cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC systems can be tailored directly to customer specifications, helping to ensure that a high quality crop equals fresh, quality produce on the tables of consumers.

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Optimum Cooling and Storing for Live Fish

One of the challenges of working with fish and seafood is the need to keep the day’s catch from spoiling before it reaches its destination. Once it has died, a fish deteriorates quickly, diminishing in quality, flavor, and nutritional value. Ice storage is a popular method for keeping fish fresh on their way to market or the table. However, this is not the only way to maintain quality. With the right equipment fish can be kept alive through the duration of their journey, arriving at their destination in prime condition for maximum freshness and flavor. Many vendors keep tanks on the premises so fish can be kept alive and on display until a buyer makes a purchase. In this way consumers can enjoy fish that was caught half way around the world but that has been dead for less than a few hours.

Live shipping also allows tropical varieties to be shipped around the world. It is especially important that these delicate species be transported with the greatest of care in order to assure they arrive at their destinations in good health. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures and installs customized industrial cooling systems that allow commercial fishermen to transport live fish at the optimum temperature to maintain their freshness and vitality. There are several important points to consider when transporting live fish.

Fish Must be Healthy

Fish must be healthy and whole. For the most successful transportation, robust fish should be kept in clean, fresh water where the temperature and oxygen levels can be controlled and the water can be continuously filtered. Sick or damaged fish should be removed to prevent them from contaminating the rest of the catch.

Fish Should be Transported with Reduced Metabolic Rates

Fish should be starved to reduce their metabolic rate and conserve oxygen. Fish with a full digestive system do not transport well. Recently fed fish will require more oxygen, are more sensitive to stress and can contaminate their water with excrement. Starved fish can be transported twice as far as those that are not. Fish should be left for at least a day without food in order to clear the digestive tract. There is one caveat to this advice; fish in the larval stage require food at more frequent intervals. Herbivorous varieties should not go without food for more than 20 hours, while some aquarium species may require feeding in less than 12 hours.

Fish Must be Kept Cold

Fish should be kept in cold water. A low water temperature slows a fish’s metabolism and maintains a relatively high pH level. Fish are much more active at higher temperatures and consume oxygen quickly. They also metabolize more quickly and produce more waste. These factors reduce the availability of oxygen in the water and reduce the time and distance that a fish can tolerate being in transit.

Fish Mustn’t Have Their Systems Shocked

The water should be cooled gradually to avoid shocking the animal’s system, particularly during the summer months when they are accustomed to warmer temperatures. Cold-water fish should be transported at 6–8°C in the summer and 3-5°C in the spring and autumn, while warm-water varieties should be kept at 10-12°C in the summer and 5-6°C in the spring and autumn. In the winter both varieties should be stored at 1-2°C. Fish have different needs depending on the variety.

Different Species Have Different Requirements

Different fish require different densities. For a shorter transport lasting only one to two hours with water at an optimum temperature large varieties can tolerate fish to water ratios of 1:1 to 1:3, but smaller varieties require much more water. Some thrive only at fish to water ratios as low as 1:200. Smaller fish require more oxygen and space per individual. The longer the journey is, the more water per fish is required. Higher water temperatures also decrease the total volume of fish that can be transported in a single trip. In order to transport more fish, it is necessary to keep temperatures low.

As a food commodity, fish is very perishable. However, modern transportation tanks equipped with industrial cooling systems like those manufactured by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can enable fishermen to keep their catch alive and healthy on long transportation routes. Consumers often pay a premium for the freshness of a live fish. Please contact us to discuss the best live fish cooling and storage system for your needs.

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Cooling Radishes Post-Harvest

Radishes, or Raphanus sativus, are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, although they are now cultivated and enjoyed all over the world. Radishes are cruciferous plants, belonging to the same plant family as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, and turnips. Radish seeds, greens, and bulbs are all edible, and many different colors and sizes of radishes are now grown and harvested. Radishes are low in calories but they are rich in folic acid, potassium, and vitamin B6, and they are believed to have cancer-preventing properties.

General Facts About Radishes

Usually small in size and somewhat sharp in taste, radishes are an edible root vegetable that is typically eaten raw in salads, in relishes, or even on sandwiches. They can be sautéed with other vegetables to bring out a sweeter, less peppery taste. The largest variety of radishes, the daikon, is a mild-flavored variety of radish that produces an oblong white bulb and can grow 2-4 inches wide and nearly a foot long.

Radishes are a popular crop—about seven million tons are produced each year—and they can germinate and grow fairly quickly, with some varieties becoming fully mature within four weeks. Typically the longer they are allowed to mature, the spicier the bulb becomes. Radishes make a convenient companion plant for other crops such as lettuce, peas, and nasturtiums, as their strong odor helps deter aphids, ants, squash bugs, and other insect pests that can damage food plants.

General Information about Cooling and Storing Radishes

Once harvested, the sugar, fat, and proteins within radishes begin to oxidize and generate heat, a process called respiration. Losing those sugars, fats, and proteins can damage the overall taste and weight of the produce, and it can lead to rapid deterioration of the crop itself. Immediately cooling and properly storing radishes can help prevent damage caused by respiration and it can help extend the shelf life of the vegetable.

Precooling – It is important to cool radishes as soon as possible after harvest to lower the crop to its safe storing temperature, remove the high field temperature that can occur following harvest, and to reduce the chances of the crop suffering from respiration damage.

Temperature – Radishes should be cooled to freezing at 32 degrees F. This very cold temperature can reduce the risk of premature quality loss.

Relative Humidity – Radishes are a crop that needs cold, moist storage, thus they do well when stored at a high relative humidity of 95-100%.

Shelf Life – Radishes, when harvested, cooled, and stored properly, have a fairly long shelf life of 21-28 days, and they tend to last longer when their green, leafy tops are removed. Radish greens, once cut from the bulb, have a shelf life of about 3 days. With their low temperature and high humidity requirements, radishes are well suited to long-term storage, which makes them a great option for growers who want to extend their selling season beyond the summer months.

Methods of Cooling Radishes

While radishes are somewhat hardier than other food plants, they must be handled carefully and cooled and stored properly in order to ensure maximum quality and freshness upon delivery to the consumer.

Hydrocooling – Radishes can be brought to an appropriate storage temperature by hydrocooling, which consists of pouring cold water over the plants or by immersing the radishes in cold water. Using a sanitation solution in the water can help clean and disinfect the produce while cooling it at the same time.

Package Icing – As they are not damaged by contact with ice, package icing is an effective method for rapid cooling of radishes. With one pound of ice, the temperature of about 3 pounds of produce can be reduced over 30 degrees. By injecting a mixture of water and ice into produce packages, radishes can be cooled rapidly, thus preventing damage from respiration and allowing the produce to be cooled without having to remove the crop from pallets.

Room Cooling – Placing radishes in a cold room that is equipped with refrigeration units can also help cool the crop. Room cooling is the slowest cooling option for radishes, but if the cooling room is being used simply to store the crop, only a small refrigeration unit is needed.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures and produces customized cooling systems and storage equipment that can be specially designed for use with radishes and other produce. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands the unique needs of farmers, and we are dedicated to helping growers protect their harvest while also delivering the best possible produce to consumers.

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