China cold storage solution provider
Chili peppers are among the most popular vegetables worldwide. Adding a small amount of chili to dishes not only enhances flavor but also provides essential vitamins to the human body. However, if not stored properly, chili peppers spoil quickly at room temperature. To extend their freshness, the most effective solution is to use chili cold storage facilities designed for long-term preservation.
Chili Cold Storage Preservation Methods
1.Thorough Disinfection of Cold Room
Before storage, disinfect the cold room using fumigation or spraying agents such as formaldehyde, peracetic acid, or bleaching powder to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
2.Harvesting & Selection
Harvest locally from healthy fields with minimal diseases. Select peppers with firm texture, glossy skin, and full maturity. Remove damaged or diseased fruits to ensure storage quality. Handle carefully during transportation to avoid bruising and compression.
3.Treatment Before Storage
Dip chili peppers in an approved food-grade fungicide solution for 2–3 minutes to remove surface pathogens and form a protective layer. Allow them to dry before pre-cooling.
4.Pre-Cooling
Rapid and thorough pre-cooling is essential to extend shelf life and reduce microbial growth.
5.Packaging in Breathable Bags
After pre-cooling, pack peppers into breathable PVC preservation bags (5–10 kg per bag). Bags should allow moisture and gas exchange to prevent sweating and carbon dioxide accumulation. If CO₂ concentration exceeds 5%, ventilate the storage room for about 1 hour.
6.Cold Storage Temperature & Humidity
Maintain chili cold storage at around 8°C (46°F) with a temperature difference no more than 0.5°C. Relative humidity should be kept between 90–95%. Since chili peppers are sensitive to low temperatures, storing below 8°C may cause chilling injury, dark spots, and fungal infections.
7.Mold Prevention
During storage, monitor for mold. If detected, use safe fumigation agents to inhibit fungal growth and protect the peppers.
Chili Cold Storage Shelf Life
By following the above methods, chili peppers can be stored for up to 3 months in cold storage, while maintaining freshness, texture, and nutritional value. This makes chili cold rooms a cost-effective and reliable solution for farmers, wholesalers, and exporters.
👉 For businesses planning to build a chili cold room, you may also want to check the chili cold storage construction cost guide to better understand the investment required.