China cold storage solution provider
Durian is a tropical fruit that grows only in hot climates, mainly in Thailand and Malaysia. To supply the market year-round—and to keep durian fresh after harvest—local growers and distributors increasingly use rapid-freezing cold storage technology.
Compared with traditional storage, rapid-freezing offers major advantages: the durian pulp is frozen at full natural ripeness, flavor is preserved, and the shelf life increases from days to 6–7 months.
Below is a practical guide to durian pre-cooling, rapid freezing, and long-term storage.
1. Pre-Cooling Before Storage
To prevent internal fermentation and moisture buildup, durians must be pre-cooled within 8 hours after harvest.
- Use forced-air pre-cooling
- Do not exceed 24 hours of pre-cooling time
- Proper pre-cooling stabilizes pulp texture and prevents spoilage
If pre-cooling is skipped, durians easily ferment and rot from the inside.
2. Rapid-Freezing and Long-Term Storage Method
After pre-cooling, durian must be quickly frozen:
- Rapid freeze at −60°C for 1 hour
- Transfer durian into a −18°C to −22°C low-temperature freezer
- Store for 6–7 months without losing flavor, aroma, or texture
This method keeps the pulp creamy, enhances sweetness, and even reduces the strong smell, making frozen durian similar to ice cream in texture.
Important:
Durian should not be stored with other fruits, fish, or meat due to its natural odor characteristics.
3. How Much Can a Durian Rapid-Freeze Cold Storage Hold?
Storage capacity depends on the cold room size. Typical density:
- 1 ton of durian ≈ 4–5 m³
(higher density and packed in crates make storage more efficient)
Example capacities:
| Cold Room Volume | Durian Capacity |
|---|---|
| 50 m³ | 10–12 tons |
| 100 m³ | 20–25 tons |
| 500 m³ | 100–120 tons |
| 1,000 m³ | 200–250 tons |
4. How Much Does Durian Rapid-Freezing Storage Cost?
A complete durian rapid-freezing setup requires:
A. −60°C quick-freeze room
Cost: USD 500–900 per m³
B. −18°C to −22°C long-term storage room
Cost: USD 170–250 per m³
Costs vary by insulation thickness, compressor brand (Bitzer, Copeland), and power consumption.
5. Investment & ROI Example
A client in Thailand (Chanthaburi) built a 300 m³ rapid-freeze durian cold storage, equipped with a −60°C blast freezer and a −18°C low-temperature storage chamber.
✅ Investment: Around USD 120,000
✅ Storage Capacity: 60–70 tons of fresh durian
✅ Energy Consumption: 45–55 kWh per ton per day
✅ Payback Period: 12–20 months, due to high off-season durian prices