China cold storage solution provider
Mandarins are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and pectin. Regular consumption not only supports digestion but also helps improve skin health. However, mandarins are high in sugar and relatively difficult to store for a long time. So how do growers preserve mandarins after harvest? What cold storage methods work best?
Mandarin Cold Storage Preservation Steps
1.Pre-harvest treatment
Spray mandarins with 2,4-D solution (0.05‰–0.1‰ concentration) before harvest. This helps maintain the green color of the fruit, improves disease resistance, and enhances storability.
2.Harvesting
Pick fruits on sunny or cloudy days, but avoid harvesting during heavy rain, midday heat, or when dew is still on the fruit in the morning. Handle gently during picking to avoid mechanical damage that can lead to rot or mold.
3.Post-harvest treatment
After harvesting, wash mandarins with fungicides such as 0.25‰–0.5‰ carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl (diluted 500–1000 times) to suppress spore growth of green and blue molds. After drying, pack fruits individually or in small groups using non-toxic polyethylene bags to reduce water loss and prevent cross-infection. Finally, place them into bamboo baskets or cartons and move them into a disinfected cold storage room.
4.Cold storage conditions
- Temperature: 0–3.5°C (32–38°F)
- Humidity:
- Loose-skin mandarins: 80–95%
- Tight-skin mandarins: 90–95%
Using these methods, mandarins can be stored for 2–3 months while maintaining good quality and freshness.