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Saving energy using RQ-based dynamic controlled atmosphere storage of blueberry fruit.

Number: 954

Author(s) : VERLINDEN B. E., BESSEMANS N., VERBOVEN P., NICOLAI B. M.

Summary

Current high energy prices, but not in the least global warming force us to consume less energy and to decrease our carbon footprint. Cold storage of fruit uses a lot of energy but is needed to maintain produce quality and availability for the consumer. A fair amount of the needed cooling energy is used to compensate the heat of respiration of the stored product. Cold storage temperatures lower metabolic activity of stored product and so decreases the produced heat of respiration. Respiration is further decreased by applying, on top of the cooling, controlled atmosphere (CA) by applying a storage atmosphere with low oxygen concentration and a somewhat elevated carbon dioxide concentration. With dynamic control atmosphere storage (DCA) even lower oxygen levels and so lower respiration heat production can be achieved by progressively lowering the oxygen levels and at the same time measuring the respiration quotient (RQ) of the stored fruit until RQ-values higher than one signal fermentation and the oxygen level is increased again. This changing oxygen level during storage results in the lowest possible production of heat while maintaining product quality. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of RQ-DCA storage of blueberry fruit on energy use for storage and on produce quality during storage and subsequent shelf life. Blueberries were stored for 6 weeks in regular air, two CA conditions and two DCA conditions. Firmness, total soluble solids content and total titratable acidity were measured right after storage and after a shelf life of seven days. RQ-DCA stored blueberries were firmer and retained their acidity better compared to others. Consumers preferred RQ-DCA stored berries because of better firmness, less collapsed berries, and a fresher look. About 10% less energy was needed for DCA compared to CA storage for two months.

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Pages: 9

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Details

  • Original title: Saving energy using RQ-based dynamic controlled atmosphere storage of blueberry fruit.
  • Record ID : 30031322
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: Proceedings of the 26th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Paris , France, August 21-25, 2023.
  • Publication date: 2023/08/21
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.icr.2023.0954

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