Choosing A Cold Room for Your Horticultural Business with MTCSS
They can extend the life of produce, ensure the safety of food, and expand storage capacity for perishable goods, so it’s no surprise that cold storage solutions are a hot topic in horticulture and agriculture. What’s the best solution for your company?
Cold Rooms: What Are They And How Do They Work?
Although there are many varieties of cold room available, they all work on the same principle. Like very large fridges and freezers, they are temperature-controlled units that are used for storing heat-sensitive produce such as vegetables, frozen foods, and fresh flowers, seeds, and seedlings.
How Can Cold Rooms Preserve My Produce For Longer?
One of the major challenges for fresh produce of any type is its perishability. Crops dissipate large volumes of heat, but when they are harvested their vascular systems cannot maintain the transpiration that is fundamental for keeping them cool. The result is an accelerated process of wilting and decay. The only option to keep produce from spoiling too quickly is to take care of temperature control on behalf of the crop, and the most effective way to do this is by refrigerating them at their ideal temperature.
Can A Cold Room Have An Impact On Safety?
There are several reasons why cold rooms have a close connection with agricultural safety. The first is that controlling the ambient temperature also controls the rate of decay, ensuring that the correct dating calculations are made, reducing the risk of produce becoming unsafe. Cold rooms can also create an environment that is safe from bacteria and contamination, a serious consideration in any outdoor site.
What Sort Of Cold Storage Solutions Are Available For Horticulture And Agriculture?
Solutions range from large cold rooms designed for farm warehouses to food safe ambient spaces for prep areas. Many companies opt to build their corridors, offices and prep areas from insulated panel due to its food safe properties – bespoke cold room panels can be designed to satisfy any size and space requirements. Another option is a dual compartment room, which can be configured to have separate thermal areas, a helpful solution when storing multiple types of produce.
What Should I Look For In A Horticultural Cold Room?
The main consideration of any cold room is its thermal capability. Cold room temperature is influenced by the type of insulation used, the construction material, and the door seal. These are important for ensuring efficiency and for avoiding over-stressing the system. Additional factors, such as the choice of door mechanism, storage shelves, and security features, are particular to each requirement. Perhaps most importantly, look beyond the room and to your supplier: unless they work with manufacturers to offer high-quality solutions with excellent aftercare, you might not get the full range of benefits that you’re expecting.
What Next?
At MTCSS, we supply purpose-built bespoke cold storage solutions to horticultural producers, distributors, and retailers. To discuss your requirements or to find out more, please get in touch today.
