Study on Apple Storage in Ultra-Low Oxygen Cold Store

Abstract

The present study highlights the issue and as of need for apple storing improvements in our society. For storage of apple we can use different kind of storing methods but storage with Ultra-low oxygen (ULO) cold store had shown significant increase in holding shelf life of apple varieties. Apple storage under lower concentration of oxygen (1.0-1.3% in some cases lower than 1%) in controlled atmosphere cold stores is described as apple storage in ultra-low oxygen cold store. Ultra-low oxygen store room is an airtight gas cold room and its atmosphere is composed of lower rate of oxygen and higher amount of CO₂. It has been Investigated and recorded that ultra-low oxygen cold store extends storage life of apple varieties (Royal Gala, Red Delicious, Idared, Jonagold and Golden delicious) from 3 to 6 months under common cold stores to 7-11 months with preserving its nutritional, sensorial and biological parameters and characteristics after harvest. For storage of apples in Afghanistan, mostly simple and cold storerooms are applied but inadequately and with local methods and facilities, due to application of ultra-low oxygen cold storage both can benefit farmers, customers and economic growth of the country.