Transporting strawberries from farm to market or to the consumer is challenging because of their delicate structure and susceptibility to spoilage. Proper preparation and storage methods are essential to ensure that these berries arrive at their destination fresh, flavorful and visually appealing. This article describes effective methods for preparing and preserving strawberries for transportation.
Preparation for transportation
Timely harvesting: strawberries should be picked when they are ripe but still firm. Overripe strawberries are more likely to be damaged during transportation.
Handle with care: Handle strawberries carefully to avoid damage. Use shallow trays for harvesting to avoid crushing the berries under their own weight.
Pre-cooling: Immediately after harvesting, quickly reduce the temperature of the strawberries. Pre-cooling to 0°C-2°C slows the ripening process and reduces the likelihood of spoilage. Methods such as air-cooling or hydrocooling are effective.
Methods of preservation during transportation
Optimum temperature maintenance: Keep strawberries cool throughout the transportation process. Use refrigerated trucks capable of maintaining pre-chilled temperatures. Monitor the temperature regularly to keep it within the ideal range.
Humidity control: Strawberries require high humidity to stay fresh, but too much humidity can lead to mold growth. Keep the relative humidity at 90-95% during transportation. Using moisture-resistant packing materials will help balance humidity levels.
Ventilation Level: Make sure the shipping containers and vehicle allow for proper air circulation around the strawberries. This will help remove ethylene gas and excess moisture that can accelerate spoilage.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): MAP can significantly extend the shelf life of strawberries during transportation by changing the composition of the ambient air inside the package, reducing oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide levels. This method slows metabolic processes in strawberries, delaying ripening and spoilage.
Ethylene absorption: Because strawberries are sensitive to ethylene, a gas that accelerates ripening and spoilage, using ethylene absorbers inside the shipping container will help keep them fresh.
Correct loading: Load strawberry containers in such a way as to prevent squeezing and ensure even cooling. Do not overload pallets or allow strawberries to come into direct contact with the walls or floor of the vehicle.
Care after transportation
Immediate unloading: Upon arrival, unload strawberries immediately to avoid prolonged exposure to potential temperature disturbances in unloading areas.
Final Quality Check: Conduct a final quality check to remove any berries that may have been damaged or spoiled during transportation. This will help prevent the spread of mold or disease to the rest of the shipment.
Storage upon arrival: If the strawberries are not being shipped directly to market, store them in a cool, humidity-controlled room until they are ready to sell. Keep it away from vegetables and fruits that release ethylene.
By following these detailed guidelines for preparing and preserving strawberries during transportation, suppliers can greatly reduce the risk of spoilage and ensure that their product reaches the consumer in the best possible condition.
