How to Keep Wax Apples Fresh for Storage? A Full Guide to Practical Methods
The wax apple is a relatively uncommon fruit nowadays, but it also has a certain market in China. It is now grown on a certain area in China as well; the wax apple has a large growth volume, so its yield is also relatively high. After harvesting, the wax apple needs proper fresh-keeping and storage work, otherwise the fruit is prone to spoilage and rotting. So how should it be stored? Below, the editor brings you the fresh-keeping and storage methods for wax apples. Let's take a look!
1. Low-temperature storage
The most commonly used storage method for wax apples is low-temperature storage. In a low-temperature environment, the respiration of the fruit is inhibited, allowing the original quality of the wax apple to be maintained as much as possible. When carrying out low-temperature storage, the temperature should be controlled at around 10 degrees. Low-temperature storage can reduce the weight loss rate of the fruit, ensuring the fruit will not depreciate due to environmental factors. It delays the time of fruit aging and ripening. Generally, simply wrap the wax apple fruit in plastic wrap and store it at a temperature of 10 degrees, and the storage time can reach about one month.
2. Ultraviolet treatment
After the wax apple is harvested, using ultraviolet irradiation on the fruit can eliminate bacteria on the surface, preventing bacteria from invading the fruit through the skin. It prevents the fruit from rotting and improves the post-harvest lifespan of the wax apple. Moreover, under proper irradiation, a thin film can form on the surface of the wax apple fruit, reducing water loss. Irradiate with ultraviolet light for about two minutes each day, and continuously turn the fruit during irradiation to ensure even exposure. After irradiation, store it at room temperature for one week; the rate of good fruit can still reach 100%, but the fresh-keeping period is only about 12 days.
3. Controlled atmosphere storage
Controlled atmosphere storage works by lowering the oxygen content in the air and increasing the carbon dioxide concentration. This ensures the fruit can carry out normal life activities while reducing the respiration of the fruit, achieving the purpose of inhibiting microbial activity. It prevents the fruit's metabolism from being too fast, slows down aging, reduces fruit loss during storage, and extends the fruit's fresh-keeping time. During controlled atmosphere storage, the nitrogen content in the air should be maintained at around 85%, oxygen at 5%, and carbon dioxide controlled at around 10%. Attention should be paid to ventilating once every day, which can delay the fruit's ripening time by 2-3 weeks.
4. Ozone storage
Ozone storage is also a commonly used storage method for wax apple fruit. Ozone can play a role in disinfection and sterilization, and in removing harmful gases and toxins. Moreover, it does not cause pollution to the fruit itself. In a cold storage room, inject ozone into it. Keep the number of injections at about 5 times per day, then ventilate for 10 minutes. It can noticeably slow down the fruit's ripening time and the loss of nutrients, improving freshness.
The above is a brief introduction to the fresh-keeping and storage methods for wax apples. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!