How to Store Strawberries for Export? Cold Chain Standards for European and Russian Markets
The Importance of Thermal Shock and Pre-Cooling in Strawberry Exports
Strawberries harvested from the field contain a high amount of "field heat." This internal temperature of 25-30°C paves the way for the rapid softening of the fruit and fungal (especially Botrytis cinerea) infections. The first rule of export standards is to bring the core temperature of the fruit down to the 0°C - 2°C range within 2 to 4 hours after harvest. This sudden thermal shocking (pre-cooling) process halts the aging process by virtually freezing the metabolism of the fruit.
Ideal Humidity and Temperature Regime for European and Russian Standards
For strawberries to maintain their physical form on long logistical axes, it is not enough for the storage to be merely cold; the internal climate must remain stable. For ideal preservation, it is mandatory to maintain 90-95% relative humidity and a temperature of 0°C without deviation. The high temperature difference between the external environment and the internal environment causes moisture loss and shriveling (dehydration) of the product in poorly insulated facilities.
Uninterrupted Cold Chain Integration with Karsey Industry
At this exact point, Karsey Industry steps in with its 26 years of industrial manufacturing experience dating back to 2000. In cold rooms established for products demanding maximum sensitivity like strawberries, the quality of the panels is the lifeblood of the facility. Karsey creates a perfect thermal barrier by utilizing non-heated high-pressure polyurethane (PUR) injection technology in its panels. These modular structures, which completely eliminate thermal bridges in floor, wall, and ceiling integration, prevent the scorching summer heat outside from seeping in and the valuable humidity inside from escaping. This situation also creates a significant optimization in the energy costs of the facility by ensuring that the cooling units operate less frequently.
The Critical Role of LIVADOOR Door Systems in Heavy Shipments
Export means heavy loading and unloading traffic. The places where heat losses occur the most in transfer rooms and main warehouses, where forklifts and pallet jacks continuously enter and exit, are the doors. LIVADOOR industrial cold room doors, manufactured by Karsey Industry, provide perfect sealing in this circulation with their mechanical design resistant to heavy industrial conditions and special gasket technology. The moment the door is closed, the modified atmosphere inside is locked; thus, the strawberries that will reach the final consumer in the European or Russian market are prepared for their journey without any compromise from quality standards.