China cold storage solution provider
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a summer superfood loved globally for its detoxifying and cooling properties. However, it is notoriously perishable. In tropical or room temperature conditions, it yellows, wilts, and rots within 5–6 days.
For exporters and large-scale distributors in India, Vietnam, Thailand, or China, the solution isn’t just “keeping it cool”—it’s deep freezing. By using a quick-freeze cold storage system, you can extend the shelf life of bitter melon from days to 8 months, allowing you to sell during off-season peaks.
📦 Storage Capacity: How Much Can You Hold?
Unlike fresh-keeping (which only lasts 2-3 weeks), long-term preservation (8 months) requires frozen storage at -18°C. This changes the density and stacking requirements.
Bitter melons are typically stored in cartons (10–15 kg each) or bulk bins.
| Cold Room Size | Floor Area | Volume | Storage Capacity (Frozen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Scale | 500 m² | 2,500 m³ | 300 – 350 Tons |
| Large Scale | 800 m² | 4,000 m³ | 500 – 600 Tons |
| Industrial Scale | 1,200 m² | 6,000 m³ | 800 – 900 Tons |
💡 Pro Tip: At -18°C, you can stack higher than fresh storage (up to 8–10 layers), but ensure there is a 10 cm gap between stacks and the evaporator for airflow.
💰 Investment & Operating Costs (USD)
Freezing requires more powerful compressors than (fresh-keeping), affecting the budget.
Construction Cost (Turnkey Project)
| Scale | Estimated Cost (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (500 m²) | 160,000 | 150mm PU panels (for -18°C), 30HP freezer unit, ammonia/CO2 system |
| Large (800 m²) | 260,000 | Multi-stage compression, Siemens PLC control, automatic defrost |
| Industrial (1,200 m²) | 380,000 | Redundant systems, full automation, remote monitoring, backup power |
Real-World Case Study: Bitter Melon Freezing Plant in Vietnam
Client: Agri-Food Co. in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Product: High-grade Bitter Melon (for export to China & Russia)
Challenge: Summer harvest glut caused prices to crash to $0.20/kg. Without storage, 30% of the harvest was lost to spoilage.
The Solution:
● Built a 750 m² (-18°C) deep-freeze storage facility.
● Capacity: 450 Tons.
● Total Investment: $210,000 USD.
The Results (After 1 Year):
● Shelf Life: Extended from 6 days to 8 months.
● Market Strategy: Harvested and froze in summer, sold in December/January.
● Price Increase: Sold at $1.10/kg during the winter shortage (a 450% price increase).
● ROI: The cold room paid for itself in 16 months.
The Science: Why -18°C for 8 Months?
To achieve 8-month preservation, you must stop enzyme activity and water crystallization.
The Process:
- Step 1 (Pre-Cooling): Cool harvested melons from field heat (30°C) to 5°C within 12 hours.
- Step 2 (Quick Freeze): Move to a -30°C blast freezer for 24–48 hours to lock in nutrients.
- Step 3 (Storage): Transfer to the main store at -18°C.
Why it works:
- At -18°C, microbial growth stops completely.
- The cellular structure is preserved, preventing nutrient loss.
- When defrosted, the melon retains 90% of its original texture and green color.
📩 Get Your Custom Freezing Plan
If you are planning a long-term bitter melon storage project, tell us:
✅ Your average harvest volume (tons per week)?
✅ Target market (Domestic, China, Middle East, Russia)?
✅ Local ambient temperature (Summer highs)?
We will provide:
A recommended cold room size (m² and tonnage).
An estimated monthly energy consumption report.
A custom ROI projection based on your local price fluctuations.
Store through the glut. Sell through the shortage. Maximize your profit.