The Importance of Cold Chain in Cherries: Preserving Quality from Harvest to Consumer

Cherries are delicate fruits with a short shelf life and high economic value. Therefore, transporting and storing them with a proper cold chain from the moment of harvest not only prevents quality loss but also increases the producer's profit.

1. Harvest: Right Timing, Right Method

Cherries should be harvested in the cool hours of the morning, when the fruit’s internal temperature hasn't risen. They should be gently picked by hand, breaking off the stem. Even the slightest bruise at this stage can accelerate the spoilage process. However, careful picking alone is not enough — temperature must also be kept under control.

2. Rapid Pre-Cooling: Water-Based Pre-Cooling

After harvest, cherries should be pre-cooled without delay. At this point, water-based pre-cooling systems (Hydro cooler) come into play. These systems rapidly lower the internal temperature of cherries by exposing them to cold water shock.

Thanks to this application:

• The respiration rate of the cherry decreases,
• Enzymatic and microbiological deterioration slows down,
• Freshness and firmness are preserved.

High-efficiency water-based pre-cooling systems developed by Frigo Mekanik offer fast, hygienic, and energy-saving solutions for producers.

3. Cold Room Storage: The Key to Preserving Quality

After pre-cooling with water, cherries should be stored in cold rooms under suitable temperature and humidity conditions. The ideal storage temperature for cherries is generally between 0°C and +1°C. The relative humidity should be around 90-95%.

Under these conditions:

• Wrinkling of the cherry is prevented,
• Weight loss is minimized,
• Shelf life is extended.

Frigo Mekanik's modern cold room systems preserve fruit quality for months with homogeneous temperature distribution and advanced automation infrastructure.

4. Transport with Cold Chain: Freshness Until the Final Destination

Cherries taken out of the cold storage must be transported to the final consumption point using refrigerated vehicles. It is vital that the chain is not broken during this process. Otherwise, the fruit may experience sweating, mold, and softening.

The Importance of Cooling: Ending Food Loss

A large portion of the 25-40% food losses in agricultural products in Turkey occurs during the post-harvest period. The key to significantly preventing these losses lies in effective cooling systems.

As Frigo Mekanik, we offer end-to-end integrated cooling solutions to increase the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable producers and maintain product quality:

• From water-based pre-cooling systems to cold rooms,
• From processing area cooling,
• To automation systems that provide remote monitoring and tracking — we are with you at every step.

Contact us to sell your products at their true value and preserve their freshness.