ALTERNATIVES TO REFRIGERATED STORAGE

Non-refrigerated storage methods- inexpensive, practical and reasonably effective measures to

extend usefulness of produce beyond that of similar produce held under ordinary room conditions
without refrigeration

The need for alternatives to refrigeration

1. short term storage

2. Affordability and simplicity
3. Cost-effectiveness
4. Limited or irregular transport schedule
5. Electrical problems

METHODS

1. Evaporative or adiabatic cooling

Principle: water requires 540 cal/g of latent heat to transform it from liquid to gas at 25°C and
580 cal/g at 30°C; fruits and vegetables give off heat during respiration and when a source of heat is
within the vicinity, heat given off is used in evaporating water resulting in a drop in temperature and
increase in RH

Conditions for effective storage

1. high temperature and low RH

2. Greater evaporative surface area
3. Greater air movement

Benefits: decreased shriveling and wilting

Slowed down chemical reactions

Disadvantages: rapid development of disease

Sprouting and/or rotting of root and tuber crops

Examples: Direct wetting

Holding in moist media
Mixing with chopped banana bracts
Wrapping in banana leaves
Drip coolers- wet cloth tent; packed wall drip cooler

2. Ventilated cooling

Principle: cooler air moves at the bottom and rises as it is warmed; ventilation eliminates heat
evolved during respiration

Examples: Hanging of onions, garlic and tomatoes

Ventilated vans
Night air cooling

3. Storage below ground level - basement rooms, cellars, caves

4. Atmosphere modification

Examples: Modified atmosphere packaging- works best in high elevation areas where it is colder;
in areas at or near sea level, it is more effective during the colder months of the year

Storage in water---

5. Diffused light storage- for seed potatoes; this method yields greened potatoes with many short
stocky sprouts that eventually give rise to healthy vigorous plants

6. Clamp storage- involves keeping commodities above ground (mound) or below ground (pit) and
then covered with dried grass, corn stover, rice straw or other vegetative materials

7. Use of heat sink- rooftop cooling