Reefer Container Temperature for Watermelon

If you want to beat the scorching heat or stay hydrated, nothing can be better than the juicy watermelon. Indian watermelons are well-known for their vibrant color, texture, and sweetness. India produces various types of watermelons, including both seeded and seedless varieties, catering to diverse consumer preferences. In addition, these delicious fruits are a combination of antioxidants and nutrients.

Indian watermelons are exported to countries across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, where they are enjoyed fresh, in salads, or as refreshing beverages. Notable export destinations for Indian watermelons include the UAE , Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and European countries like the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Popular Indian watermelon varieties include Sugar Baby, Black Diamond, and Crimson Sweet, known for their exceptional taste and quality.

Why is a reefer container temperature necessary to preserve watermelon?

When it comes to transporting watermelons outside India, you need to stick to some guidelines. Choosing the right reefer container that can maintain a required temperature level can retain the fruit quality irrespective of any harsh weather conditions.

After harvesting, melons should be cooled down before being transported. Once they are properly cooled, they can be moved into a refrigerated container to the warehouse. The perfect temperature environment depends on the maturity, variety, and travel time.

The best guidelines to maintain the perfect temperature in global shipping are as follows:

The initial stages of the fruits

1. Irrigation

As watermelon crops have a deep tap root system, they don’t need much irrigation. If a direct-sown watermelon crop is exposed to high moisture levels, the first irrigation might be delayed. On the other hand, inadequate irrigation can lead to poor germination and uneven development. During crop growth, water on a weekly basis, but avoid over-flooding. The crop mustn't be water-stressed, particularly during pre-flowering, flowering, and fruiting stages. Drip irrigation is only required for better fruit quality, reduced disease and weed issues, and water conservation.

2. Pollination

Pollination plays a crucial role in the development of watermelon plants.

The main pollination stages are as follows:

• Honey Bees: 1-2 hives of pollinators need to be positioned per acre to boost the bee activity. During the morning hours, avoid spraying chemicals.
• Manual Pollination: You can pollinate by gently brushing the stamen of the male flower against the stigma of the female flower.

3. Mulching

Mulching is nowadays done by farmers. The farmers use plastic sheets that help in maintaining required moisture levels, weed suppression, and preventing the fruits from being in contact with soil to reduce pest infestations and certain diseases. As the crop is mainly cultivated during the period of high temperatures and hot winds, mulching is necessary for watermelon cultivation.

4. Pinching

Pruning can boost the fruit quality. When vines grow around 1 meter long, remove the shoots to promote the growth of the side shoots. Keep in mind to remove any misshapen, damaged, or diseased fruits during early fruit setting. Among them, only 4 to 5 fruits per vine will improve their size and overall yield.

5. Weed Management

In the early phases of crop growth, prevent the weeds from growing in the field. After sowing, you can continue manual weeding every 15, 30, and 45 days.

The importance of reefer container temperature for watermelons is as follows:

Retain Quality: The flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits of the watermelons can be preserved by setting them at a proper temperature. Temperature changes can result in early ripening or chilling damage, which lowers the market cost.

• Extend the Shelf Life: Keep the fruits at the right temperature to prolong their shelf life. This will reduce the ripening process and maintain the fruit's freshness for a longer duration.
• Prevent Spoilage: A temperature-controlled environment can safeguard the perishable fruits from rigorous weather conditions during the transit.
• Ventilation and Air Flow: Good ventilation and air supply evenly distribute the air inside the container, minimize temperature fluctuations, and protect the cargo. In addition, it can prevent the release of emission gasses.
• Humidity Levels: Humidity levels inside the container should be kept low. High humidity exposure can result in condensation and speed up spoilage. On the other hand, low levels can degrade the melons.
• Packaging: Employ smart packaging methods to make sure that perishable goods are not vulnerable to varied temperature changes.
• Insulation: Proper insulation materials should be used to prevent heat transfers, temperature fluctuations, and unnecessary amounts of energy that can disrupt the transit.
• Pre-cooling: Precool the goods prior to loading in the vessel. This process reduces the thermal shock, and the reefer container can maintain it at a constant temperature.
• Cargo Overloading: If the reefer container doesn’t match the exact weight, air circulation will be restricted, resulting in improper cooling.
• Handling: Make sure to clean the storage spaces properly to preserve the integrity of the goods. Stick to hygiene and safety rules throughout the shipping process.
• Transport Duration: The longer the distances, the more efficient the cooling system is needed to keep temperature fluctuations in check.

The steps involved during the loading and unloading of watermelons are:

Pick-Up Process: When transporting melons from the farm, it’s necessary to stack the crates securely to prevent any shifting or falling during transit. Additionally, ensure there’s adequate ventilation to cool the melons, especially if they are still warm when loaded.

Loading: It is advisable to use a climate-controlled dock with "cold tunnels" to transport the melons directly into the pre-cooled reefer container or truck. This process will prevent humidity levels and preserve the required low temperature to condense the fruits.

Stack the Cargo: You must stack the cargo tightly in a reefer container, keeping little space between cartons and the container wall to ensure good air circulation. Avoid stacking above the line on the wall, or don’t use wraps or materials that can restrict air flow.

Temperature Monitoring: Keep the fruits in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid the goods being spoiled in a reefer carrier. Depending on the type and variety, temperature checking is important. Temperature fluctuations can hamper the cold chain, which can lead to the fruit's decay, microbial growth, and overall loss of market appeal.

Unloading: The cargo must be handled with care after it reaches the destination port. The watermelons should be transferred to a storage facility. Port authorities should conduct a physical inspection to confirm that the watermelons are fit for human consumption and comply with food safety standards.

Conclusion

Watermelons are temperature-sensitive fruits, so it is required to precool them before exporting. Keeping these delicate fruits at a constant temperature can extend their shelf life and increase market demand.

At Citrus Freight , you can book your preferred reefer carriers to ship your perishables safely.