Broccoli Cold Storage Preservation Technology – Keep Fresh for Up to 60 Days

Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower, is highly valued in global markets for its bright green appearance and rich nutritional profile, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and carotene. However, broccoli has a high respiration rate at ambient temperature, making it extremely prone to yellowing, wilting, and decay within a short time after harvest.

To extend shelf life and maintain premium quality, commercial growers and exporters widely adopt fresh-keeping cold storage systems. With proper cold storage design and management, broccoli can be safely stored for up to 60 days, enabling off-season sales, price stabilization, and higher overall profitability.

Broccoli Cold Storage Operating Process

1.Pre-cooling
Pre-cooling is a critical step in extending broccoli shelf life. The goal is to rapidly reduce field heat and respiration intensity. Forced-air pre-cooling inside the cold room or rapid direct cooling can be applied. Faster cooling leads to better preservation results and reduced weight loss.

2.Cold Storage Conditions

• Storage Temperature: 0–1°C (32–34°F)
• Temperature Fluctuation: ≤ ±1°C
• Relative Humidity: 90–95%

If temperature rises above 3°C (37°F), broccoli heads may yellow quickly and become susceptible to fungal growth. Under stable conditions, broccoli can be stored for approximately 60 days while retaining fresh color, firm texture, and nutritional value.

How Much Does Broccoli Cold Storage Cost and How Much Can It Store?

From a commercial perspective, broccoli cold storage is not just about preservation—it is an investment in inventory control and market timing.

• Storage Capacity:
  On average, 1 ton of broccoli requires 4–5 cubic meters of cold storage space (depending on packaging and pallet stacking).
• Typical Cold Storage Size:
  A 500 m³ fresh-keeping cold room can store approximately 100–120 tons of broccoli.
• Construction Cost (Fresh Storage Type, 0–1°C):
  • Estimated cost: USD 28,000 – 35,000
  • Includes insulation panels, refrigeration system, air coolers, and control system
• Electricity Consumption:
  • Average daily energy use: 0.8–1.2 kWh per ton per day
  • Optimized systems significantly reduce operating costs during long-term storage

This level of investment allows exporters to avoid peak-season price drops, reduce post-harvest losses, and sell broccoli when market prices are more favorable.

Investment Return Example

Location: Mexico – Export-oriented vegetable production area
Cold Storage Type: Broccoli fresh-keeping cold storage
Cold Storage Volume: 500 m³
Storage Capacity: 110 tons
Total Investment: USD 31,500
Average Daily Power Consumption: ~120 kWh
Storage Period: Up to 60 days
Market Price Difference (Peak vs Off-season): USD 180–250 per ton
Estimated Payback Period: 1–2 harvest seasons