High humidity: Choose an air-cooler with a low air–product temperature differential (ΔT).
A storage period of 10 to 30 days is advised.
Controlled Atmosphere: Not recommended — uneconomical for small volumes and limited benefit relative to total storage time.
Hydro-coolers are recommended immediately after harvest of cherries.
Dynamic pre-cooling is advised for packaged cherries; a study must be done of absorption time and air velocity to ensure uniform cooling down to the core of the product.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Rapid pre-cooling and maintenance of the cold chain throughout all handling phases of the chilled product.
Pre-cooling must take place within four hours of harvest.
Use approved disinfectants in the hydro-cooler water during use.
Maintain ambient temperature in sorting/packing area around 15 °C.
Ensure uniform temperature inside cold-storage chambers.
Cooling must be achieved by low-air-speed circulation.
High CO₂ levels help good preservation (not above ~30 %).
Monitor sugar level at harvest (14–16 ° Brix) using optical refractometers.
