China cold storage solution provider
Fresh tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and D—more than twice the nutritional value of apples, pears, or grapes. However, tomatoes are one of the most perishable vegetables due to their thin skin and high water content. Without proper temperature and humidity control, they can easily rot or lose flavor within just a few days.
For commercial farmers, food distributors, and cold chain operators, the most efficient and long-term preservation method is to use a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Cold Storage Room. Below, we’ll introduce how this system helps extend tomato shelf life, reduce losses, and ensure consistent market supply.
Why Build a Tomato Cold Storage Room?
Traditional storage or household refrigeration can only keep tomatoes fresh for 5–7 days.
A professional cold storage system can extend shelf life to 40–50 days while maintaining flavor, texture, and nutrition.
For example, a 100-ton tomato cold storage (approx. 500m³) typically costs around USD $35,000–$45,000, depending on temperature zones, insulation thickness, and cooling systems. The storage room can hold approximately 90–100 tons of fresh tomatoes at once.
This setup greatly reduces product losses during peak harvest seasons and helps suppliers maintain year-round market stability and pricing advantage.
Tomato Cold Storage Technical Parameters
| Storage Type | Ideal Temperature | Relative Humidity | Recommended Gas Composition | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green (unripe) tomatoes | 10–20°C | 85–90% | O₂: 2–3%, CO₂: 2–4% | 40–50 days |
| Ripe tomatoes | 1–5°C | 80–90% | O₂: 2–3%, CO₂: 2–4% | 30–40 days |
Main Cold Storage Features
- Pre-Cooling:
Freshly harvested tomatoes are pre-cooled to remove field heat and reduce respiration losses. - Insulation System:
High-density polyurethane sandwich panels (100mm thick) ensure minimal temperature fluctuation and energy efficiency. - Refrigeration System:
Equipped with energy-saving scroll or piston compressors and smart temperature controllers to keep conditions stable. - Humidity & Gas Control:
Automatic air humidifiers maintain RH levels; CA system regulates O₂ and CO₂ to slow down ripening and spoilage. - Monitoring & Control:
PLC control with digital display for temperature, humidity, and gas composition, ensuring full automation and accuracy.
Project Example: Tomato Cold Storage Solution
In 2024, a tomato supplier in Southeast Asia built a 1,200m³ tomato cold storage with our CA technology.
- Investment: Approx. USD $85,000
- Storage Capacity: 250 tons of tomatoes
- Energy Saving: 30% lower power consumption compared to traditional cold rooms
- Preservation Period: Up to 50 days without noticeable flavor loss
This project helped the client stabilize seasonal supply, reduce post-harvest loss by 35%, and increase annual profit by 20%.