China cold storage solution provider
Longan, also known as “Guiyuan” in Chinese, is a tropical fruit that ripens mainly from July to August. It’s not only eaten fresh but is also processed into dried longan and even used for medicinal purposes. However, compared to other fruits, fresh longan has a very short shelf life. Without proper cold storage, it quickly ferments and rots due to its thin skin and high sugar content.
That’s why many fruit processors and exporters now build professional longan cold storage facilities — to keep the fruit fresh for months while maintaining its color, flavor, and nutritional value. Below, we’ll explain how much such a cold room costs, how much fruit it can hold, and what temperature and humidity levels are required.
1. Longan Cold Room Cost and Capacity
For a standard longan cold storage room (operating at 3–4°C), the average construction cost ranges from USD 40–50 per cubic meter depending on the insulation material, refrigerant system, and region.
For example, a 1000 m³ longan cold room can hold about 180–200 tons of fresh longan, and the total installation cost is typically around USD 40,000–50,000.
Larger cold storage facilities (over 5000 m³) can further reduce per-unit cost due to scale efficiency.
2. Recommended Storage Conditions
To keep longan fresh for up to 60 days, temperature and humidity must be precisely controlled:
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 2–3°C |
| Relative Humidity | 90–95% |
| Pre-cooling Temperature | 8–10°C |
| Storage Duration | Up to 60 days |
If the temperature drops below 0°C, the pulp may freeze and lose texture; if it exceeds 5°C, the fruit will darken and spoil more quickly.
Proper air circulation and periodic ventilation are essential to prevent mold growth and maintain natural fruit gloss.
3. Key Technical Steps
1.Harvesting:
Pick semi-ripe longans (80–90% maturity) on dry mornings. Avoid rainy-day harvesting to prevent internal water accumulation that causes decay.
2.Sorting:
Select thick-shelled, dry-skinned fruit. Thin-shelled or moist longans are less suitable for long-term storage.
3.Pre-cooling:
Cool the fruit to 8–10°C immediately after harvest to remove field heat and reduce respiration rate.
4.Cold Storage:
Store in sealed cold rooms with high-humidity control and stable temperature to extend freshness and preserve sweetness.
4. Benefits of Using a Cold Room for Longan
- Extends shelf life from 10–15 days (ambient) to up to 60 days
- Preserves color, taste, and nutritional value
- Prevents mold growth and browning
- Reduces post-harvest loss by over 60%
- Ideal for export suppliers and fruit wholesalers
5. Investment & ROI Example
A client in Thailand built a 1,500 m³ longan cold storage equipped with an air-cooled condensing unit and polyurethane insulation panels.
✅ Investment: Around USD78,000
✅ Storage Capacity: ~300 tons of fresh longan
✅ Energy Consumption: About 35–45 kWh per ton per day
✅ Payback Period: Within 2 years, due to reduced waste and stable off-season prices