Reefer Container Temperature For Apples

Scientifically known as Malus pumila, the apples belong to the Rosaceae family and are cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. Their popularity spans centuries, marking a rich history that traces back to ancient civilizations. Apples come in a wide range of exotic varieties, offering great potential for export opportunities .

What is the importance of reefer container temperature for apples?

Apples have a short life span and are prone to deterioration easily. Reefers containers are specialized solutions to preserve these exotic fruits in optimal condition and ensure the safe arrival to the intended destination. Setting the right temperature for these sensitive fruits is of utmost importance to prevent spoilage and shrinkage. Due to these, the business can face major financial setbacks and might face legal issues.

Under the controlled temperature, the quality of the apples should be maintained.

Note: The atmosphere was controlled with O2 levels at 2-3% and CO2 at 2-3%, ensuring optimal conditions for varieties like Cox and Braeburn.

What are the factors that have contributed to the apple production growth?

There are various factors that increased the worldwide apple export:

• Climate: Mild summers with average temperatures between 20 and 25 °C and chilled winters with sufficient snowfall are the best for apple cultivation. These weather conditions are only prevalent in the Himalayan regions, marking the successful growth of apple plantations.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH is essential for good apple tree growth, as it provides both nutrients and moisture. An apple orchard can benefit from these ideal soil conditions, allowing for healthy tree development and high-quality fruit production.
• Government Programs: The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to increase apple production, which include subsidies for setting up orchards, conducting training programs for farmers on the latest cultivation techniques, and promoting research and development of new apple varieties.
• Farmers’s expertise: As the farmer's legacy tends to continue, they have rich expertise in apple cultivation. Along with this, the farmers go with modern farming practices and can contribute significantly to high yields and high-quality apple exports.

The benefits of temperature-controlled reefer containers for apples are as follows:

• Preserve Quality: Since apples are prone to temperature fluctuations, accurate temperature control is very important in reefer containers. The flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits can be kept intact if the temperature guidelines are followed. Changes in temperature can result in early ripening or chilling damage, which lowers market appeal.
• Extend the Shelf Life: Maintain a required temperature to increase the life span of these delicate fruits. This will help them to slow down the ripening process and keep them fresh throughout the transit.
• Reduce Spoilage: The reefer-controlled temperature is the effective means to prevent the fruits from being spoiled. A temperature-controlled environment can protect the perishable fruits from inclement weather conditions.
• Sufficient Ventilation and Air Circulation: Adequate ventilation and good air supply uniformly distribute the air inside the container, minimize temperature fluctuations, and preserve the cargo. In addition, it can prevent the production of carbon dioxide and emission gasses.
• Humidity Levels: Humidity levels inside the container need to be kept in check during the transit. Exposure to high humidity can result in condensation and speed up spoilage. On the other hand, low levels can degrade the apples.
• Good Packaging: Make sure to pack the perishable goods with special care. The packaging should be done in a way to safeguard the fruits from temperature change or any damage.
• Insulation: Proper insulation materials should be used in the reefer container construction. Improper insulation can cause heat transfers, resulting in temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, poor insulation consumes an unnecessary amount of energy that can disrupt the transit.
• Pre-cooling: Before loading the goods, the pre-cooling method should be used. This process reduces the thermal shock, and the reefer container can maintain it at a constant temperature.
• Overloading of Cargo: If the reefer container exceeds the cargo weight of the required contents, air circulation will not be distributed evenly, leading to improper cooling.
• Handling: Ensure hygiene and safety regulations throughout the shipping process. Storage spaces should be properly cleaned to maintain the integrity of the goods.
• Transport Duration: Longer travel will need a more effective cooling system and other additional measures to keep an eye for the temperature fluctuations.

Harvest and Post Harvest Methods for Apples

When it comes to cold storage methods for apples, time before the harvest and after harvest should be taken into account. The fruits are usually harvested before reaching their ripening stage. Apples that are harvested before the right time can lose their texture and flavor. It is wise to store the apples into varieties, from large to small. Before storing the apples, classify them into color and maturity, and separate the bruised, contaminated, and damaged ones from the others that are intended to be shipped.

Start the cooling method of the apples during the tenure of the early harvest to slow down the ripening process. Summer apples are often faster in the later stages of maturity than in the early stages. Thus, the slow cooling effects become more significant as the storage time becomes lengthy. Not implementing proper cooling might only show up later in storage, when the fruit couldn’t meet the market demands.

At Citrus Freight , specialized reefer containers are provided to the consumers to ship their cargo domestically and internationally. The reefer specialist checks that the best practices are followed to protect your shipment. The staff keeps a check for the real-time monitor to preserve the required temperature from end to end port. With careful attention to temperature precision and handling procedures, Citrus Freight ensures the preservation of freshness and quality, meeting market demands and customer expectations with every shipment.

Conclusion

When it comes to perishable goods transportation, reefer container temperatures preserve their nutritional content, flavor, texture, and quality. The right temperature management is the main key to exporting apples in optimal condition. Logistics providers must keep an eye on temperature fluctuations and make necessary adjustments based on the unique requirements of various goods to ensure their optimal conditions to arrive at the desired ports.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Citrus Freight today!