China cold storage solution provider
Pomegranate is a fruit rich in nutrients such as vitamins B and C, linoleic acid, folic acid, protein, and essential minerals. It not only offers beauty and health benefits but also has medicinal effects such as stopping diarrhea and bleeding.
However, after harvest, pomegranates lose their firmness quickly — the peel color fades, moisture evaporates, and the fruit may rot or lose flavor. To effectively extend the storage period and maintain nutritional quality, using a controlled atmosphere (CA) cold storage system is the most efficient method.
Below is a detailed guide on how to store pomegranates in a CA cold room to keep them fresh for months.
Pomegranate Cold Storage Method & Steps
1. Harvesting
For better preservation, pomegranates should be harvested on clear or cloudy days. Avoid picking during rain, as excess moisture can cause rot during storage.
2. Sorting
After harvesting, remove any diseased, damaged, misshapen, small, or cracked fruits. Only firm, healthy fruits should enter the storage room.
3. Pre-cooling
Pre-cooling is a critical step before storage. The goal is to quickly reduce the fruit’s respiration rate and temperature, helping maintain freshness and extend shelf life. Rapid cooling prevents the pomegranate arils and stems from losing vitality during transport or storage.
4. Controlled Atmosphere Storage
The optimal storage temperature for pomegranates is 0–2°C (32–35.6°F).
- If the temperature drops too low, the peel may sink and turn brown, and seeds may discolor or rot.
- The ideal relative humidity is 85–95%. If humidity is too low, use a humidifier to maintain proper moisture levels.
- Recommended gas composition:
- Oxygen: 2–4%
- Carbon dioxide: 12%
Under these conditions, pomegranates can be stored for 5–6 months while retaining their color, flavor, and firmness.
sales.
For a real-world example, check out our Pomegranate Cold Storage Project Case