How to Store Pumpkins? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Storage and Fresh-Keeping Methods
Pumpkin is a very popular vegetable in China, with rich nutritional value, and it is also grown on a large area in China. The management work during pumpkin cultivation is very important, directly affecting the yield and quality of pumpkins. After harvest, if they cannot be brought to market in time, we also need to do a good job of storing and keeping pumpkins fresh. So how should pumpkins be stored? Let's take a look together below!
1. Heap storage
For heap storage, we first need to select healthy, high-quality pumpkins without wounds, and then directly pile them indoors. Before piling them up, spread a layer of dry straw on the indoor floor, and then pile the pumpkins on top. When piling them up, note that the orientation of the pumpkins should be consistent with their growing state, with the stem end facing inward and the top of the pumpkin facing outward. Then pile them into round heaps again. Keep the number in each heap at around 20, with a height of around 5. Be sure to leave passageways for people to walk through, making it easy to inspect. During storage, if the temperature is relatively high, then ventilation work should be done well at night. Avoid direct sunlight during the day, and keep the indoor air dry and fresh.
2. Cellar storage
Cellar storage is also a commonly used storage method for pumpkins, but the selection of pumpkins for cellar storage is very important. You should choose the second pumpkin on the main vine; if it is the first fruit near the root, then it is not suitable to choose cellar storage as the main storage method. During the growth period of the pumpkin, try not to let the pumpkin touch the ground, and also avoid direct sunlight. When harvesting, pay attention to the force used, avoid mechanical damage to the pumpkin, and do not roll or throw it, etc. If the inner flesh is shaken, it can very easily cause the pumpkin to rot. After harvest, the pumpkins should be kept at a temperature of around 25 degrees for about half a month. This allows the pumpkin skin to harden, which can improve the pumpkin's storage capacity.
3. Rack storage
When storing pumpkins on racks, first choose the storage location and the pumpkins well. Their quality, temperature and ventilation should be consistent with the standards for heap storage. However, we should build layered storage racks in the warehouse using materials such as wood and bamboo, then spread straw mats on the racks, and then pile the pumpkins on the racks. Alternatively, crates can also be used: spread a layer of straw on the bottom of the crate, then stack the pumpkins into piles for storage. Rack storage has relatively strong ventilation and heat dissipation capacity, and the storage volume is also relatively large, making inspection convenient.
The above is a brief introduction to pumpkin storage and fresh-keeping methods. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!