Storage

Controlled-atmosphere storage does not improve fruit quality, but it can slow down the loss of quality after harvest. Successful CA storage begins by harvesting fruit at its proper maturity. Apples should be cooled rapidly and recommended atmospheric conditions achieved shortly after field heat is removed. The longer it takes to adjust carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, the less effective the duration of storage. Guidelines for CA storage regimes are shown in Table 6-1.

Apple cultivars harvested at the same time within 7 and 10 days of each other can be stored together if they have similar oxygen and carbon dioxide requirements. When storing more than one variety in a room, choose a carbon dioxide level that is not toxic to any of the varieties. For example, Stayman can tolerate 5 percent carbon dioxide, but if it is stored with Delicious, only 2 to 3 percent carbon dioxide should be used.