Post Harvest Cherry Storage: Best Practices and Tips
Cherries are a delicate fruit that require special care to maintain their quality and freshness. Proper post-harvest storage is essential for preserving the cherries' taste, texture, and appearance. In this article, we will discuss the best practices and tips for storing cherries after harvest.
1. Temperature and Humidity Control
Cherries are highly perishable fruits, and they are susceptible to spoilage if not stored under the right conditions. The ideal temperature for cherry storage is between 32°F to 36°F (0°C to 2°C), with a relative humidity of around 90%. These conditions help to slow down the respiration rate of the cherries and reduce water loss, which prevents shriveling and drying out.
It's important to note that cherries are sensitive to ethylene gas, which can cause premature ripening and decay. Therefore, it's best to store cherries away from other ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes.
2. Packaging and Handling
The packaging and handling of cherries play a critical role in maintaining their quality and shelf life. Cherries are best stored in perforated plastic bags or containers that allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. It's also essential to handle cherries gently to avoid bruising and damage that can lead to decay.
Before packaging cherries, it's crucial to sort them by size, color, and quality. This helps to ensure uniformity and prevents the spread of infections among the cherries. It's also recommended to remove any damaged or overripe cherries before storage to prevent contamination of the rest of the batch.
3. Storage Duration
The storage duration for cherries depends on various factors such as the cultivar, ripeness, and storage conditions. Generally, fresh cherries can last between 7 to 14 days when stored under optimal conditions. However, some cultivars like Lapins and Sweetheart can last up to 21 days.
It's essential to monitor the cherries regularly during storage and remove any spoilt or moldy cherries immediately to prevent the spread of infections. If you plan to store cherries for an extended period, it's advisable to freeze them for long-term storage.
4. Pre-storage Treatment
Pre-storage treatment involves various practices aimed at enhancing the quality and shelf life of cherries before storage. One effective pre-storage treatment is a cold-water dip, where freshly harvested cherries are immersed in cold water for about 30 seconds to remove dirt, debris, and surface contaminants. Cold-water dipping can also help to reduce the incidence of fungal infections like brown rot and gray mold.
Another pre-storage treatment is the application of coatings and films on the cherries' surface to improve their resistance to moisture loss, microbial infections, and mechanical damage. Natural products like chitosan, cellulose, and starch-based coatings have shown promising results in extending the post-harvest life of cherries.
In conclusion, proper post-harvest storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and freshness of cherries. Temperature and humidity control, proper packaging and handling, storage duration, and pre-storage treatments are some of the key factors that influence cherry storage. By following these best practices and tips, farmers, and distributors can extend the shelf life of cherries and maximize their profits.
Post Harvest Cherry Storage, Temperature and Humidity Control, Packaging and Handling, Storage Duration, Pre-storage Treatment
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