China cold storage solution provider
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is not only visually appealing but also rich in nutrients and beneficial to human health. However, fresh dragon fruit has a relatively short post-harvest shelf life and tends to spoil quickly. This raises an important question: how long can dragon fruit stay fresh in cold storage, and what are the best methods to preserve it?
Dragon Fruit Shelf Life in Cold Storage
Currently, there are two main methods for storing dragon fruit:
- Room Temperature Storage – Simple and low-cost, but the shelf life is limited to around 15 days.
- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Cold Storage – Extends the preservation period to over one month or longer, but requires higher investment in cold storage construction.
For example, in Guizhou Province, our team recently completed a 2,000 m³ controlled atmosphere cold storage project for a local fruit growers’ cooperative. The facility is specifically designed for dragon fruit preservation, featuring 8 specialized cold rooms with adjustable temperatures ranging from -5℃ to +15℃. The project has significantly improved storage efficiency and extended the market supply period for fresh dragon fruit.
👉 Read our Dragon Fruit Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage Project in Guizhou
Recommended Cold Storage Conditions for Dragon Fruit
To maximize preservation, dragon fruit should be stored under the following controlled conditions:
- Storage Temperature: 3°C to 6°C
- Relative Humidity: 75% – 90%
- ⚠️ Avoid temperatures below 1°C, as this can cause chilling injury.
Dragon fruit is classified as a low-respiration-rate fruit. Thanks to its thick, wax-coated peel, it is relatively resistant to transport and handling damage. When placed in a cold storage room at 5–9°C, freshly harvested pitaya can be preserved for more than one month, provided it is handled carefully without bruising.
Real scene inside the controlled atmosphere fresh-keeping warehouse
Additional Tips for Longer Shelf Life
- After harvest, especially in hot seasons, dragon fruit should first be cooled in a shaded, well-ventilated area before being transferred into cold storage.
- Avoid stacking fruit too tightly to ensure proper air circulation inside the cold room.
- Using a CA cold storage system (with controlled oxygen and carbon dioxide levels) can further extend the freshness beyond one month, making it ideal for export markets and long-distance logistics.