China cold storage solution provider
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, well-known for their skin-brightening and detoxifying benefits. They are also widely used in cooking, baking, beverages, and even home remedies like honey lemon water. However, fresh lemons have a limited shelf life under normal conditions. To extend storage time and maintain quality, controlled atmosphere (CA) cold storage is one of the most effective preservation methods.
Below, we’ll introduce how lemons can be stored in cold storage, the ideal temperature requirements, and practical tips to prevent spoilage.
Step-by-Step Lemon Cold Storage Process
1.Pre-Cooling
- Freshly harvested lemons should first be transported in wooden boxes and pre-cooled to around 10°C (50°F).
- Only healthy, undamaged, and disease-free fruits should be selected for storage.
2.Packaging
- Use 0.01 mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or 0.02 mm low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film bags.
- Place lemons individually into the bags, tighten the openings, and then place them into cartons.
3.Stacking & Ventilation
- The cartons should be stacked in the cold storage room with enough spacing between stacks to allow proper airflow.
Ideal Temperature & Storage Conditions
- Temperature Range: 10°C (50°F) with 85%–90% relative humidity
- Storage Time: Up to 8–9 months without significant quality loss
- Gas Composition (CA Storage):
- Oxygen: 5%–10%
- Carbon Dioxide: 1%–2%
👉 Under these conditions, lemons maintain their freshness for months, and certain improved varieties can even be stored at 12–15°C (54–59°F) for extended shelf life.
📌If you are considering building a lemon cold storage facility, you may also be interested in our detailed cost guide: 👉 Lemon Cold Storage Construction Cost per Square Meter