China cold storage solution provider
Every year from September to November, fresh jujubes (Chinese dates) enter the market in large quantities. Known for their sweet flavor and exceptional nutritional value, jujubes are particularly rich in vitamin C, containing 380–600 mg per 100g of pulp — up to 70–100 times higher than common fruits such as grapes, apples, pears, and peaches.
However, under natural temperature conditions, fresh jujubes can typically be stored for only 10–15 days. Once the storage period is exceeded or improper storage methods are used, jujubes quickly lose firmness, become moldy, or rot.
To maintain their freshness and quality for months, using a controlled atmosphere (CA) cold storage system is essential. Below is a detailed guide to storing fresh jujubes in a controlled atmosphere cold room.
1. Selection and Sorting
To achieve long-term freshness, only semi-ripe or light-red jujubes should be stored. Fully ripe (dark red) fruits are not suitable for long-term preservation, as they are prone to softening and spoilage during storage.
2. Pre-Cooling Process
Before the jujubes are placed into the cold room, they must undergo a pre-cooling stage. Pre-cooling removes field heat and slows down respiration, effectively preserving firmness, freshness, and nutritional content, which extends overall storage life.
3. Controlled Atmosphere Storage Conditions
For optimal preservation, jujubes should be stored under the following temperature and humidity parameters:
- Temperature: 0–1°C (32–34°F).
- Avoid freezing below 0°C to prevent chilling injury.
- Higher temperatures will accelerate ripening and spoilage.
- Relative Humidity: 90–95%.
- If humidity is insufficient, use a humidifier system to maintain stability and prevent fruit dehydration.
- Oxygen Level: Maintain 2–3% O₂ concentration within the cold room to inhibit microbial activity and slow respiration.
Under these conditions, jujubes can be stored for 60–80 days while maintaining crisp texture, natural sweetness, and nutritional quality. Controlled atmosphere storage not only prevents mold and decay but also preserves the bright color and freshness of the fruit.