Cold Storage, Cold Supply Chain, Cold Storage by Controlled Atmosphere, Cold Storage for Potato & Horticulture, Cold Storage for Frozen Food, Multipurpose Cold Storage, Cold Storage for Fruits & Vegetables

Cold Storage refers to a large building or a refrigerated room for preservation and storage of products in a cold environment. The products that usually require refrigeration in cold storage include various kinds of vegetables, fruits, seafood as well as meat. The cold storage rooms are often located near the ports of shipping used for services related to import as well as export. The cold storage facilities are an important and significant part of the shipping industry (since 10th century). 

 

Let us now move on to understanding of a cold supply chain., which refers to a temperature controlled supply chain. Unbroken cold chain refers to a continuous series of storage, refrigerated production as well as distribution services, along with required logistics and equipment to maintain the temperature and quality range. This supply chain is extensively used to ensure the shell life of fresh agricultural products, chemicals, pharmecutical products, photographic films, seafood, frozen food and much more. These cold supply chains are known to be perishable in nature and are often referred to as “cargo” in the logistics cycle. When cold storage is adequate, it prevents qualitative and quantitative food losses. 

Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CAS) is a significant innovation in the vegetable and fruit storage domain. This is because the composition of gas in the storage impacts and greatly affects the life of storage. This innovative technology refers to increasing carbon dioxide and decreasing oxygen levels in normal comparison to ambient atmospheric conditions. Fruits, vegetables and dry commodities are stored in controlled atmospheric conditions. 

Cold Storage for potato  has a significant impact on how much time can these last. These potatoes are normally stores in temperature range of 6-10 degree celsius. These potatoes can thus be kept for many months without any kind of spoiling of damage. 

Cold storage for frozen food – refers to a technology wherein food passes through low temperature conditions leaving behind safe and low microbial counts. This facility often leads the product completely free rolling and does not lead to any kind of clotting or lumps. The appropriate, flavour, taste and texture of food is maintained. The much-sought-after-appearance of the food is also much maintained due to such treatments. This treatment is mostly given to green peas, sweet corn, mixed vegetables and various other fruits and vegetables. 

The Multipurpose Cold Storage Stores are normally designed for storing commodities which operate and are used around the year. These products include milk products, pulses, fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, spices and milk products. These units are located closer to the consumption centres. 

Cold storage for fruits and vegetables is actually a tricky subject as many factors are involved such as origin and age of the stored products. If cold storage is not opted, most fruits and vegetables shall not stay fresh. The quality shall deteriorate and bacteria shall develop in these items. The low temperature in cold storage facilities is known to halt the growth of pathogenic fungi which otherwise spoil the fruits and vegetables. Different fruits and vegetables are stored at optimum differen temperatures depending on their origin, age and maturity levels.