Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage
The Dynamic controlled atmosphere system from Van Amerongen (ACR) applies CA conditions dynamically during the storage period (instead of setting this in advance). The equipment used for the 'Dynamic CA Storage System' responds to the physiological condition of the fruit in the cell and then automatically adjusts the storage conditions accordingly (storage, based on product response). Oxygen percentages of less than 1% are no problem because the oxygen concentration will be immediately amended if it threatens to get too low.
Why use Dynamic controlled atmosphere Storage?
It is a huge challenge to ascertain the best and lowest oxygen concentration for storing fruit, given the various factors that influence this;
- Fruit variety
- Moment of harvesting (ripeness)
- Leak-proof capacity of cool cell
- Season/climate
- Growth location (micro-climate and geography)
All of these factors impact upon how active the fruit is (ie its respiratory activity). Determining the optimum oxygen concentration is, therefore, extremely difficult.
In general, the lower the oxygen concentration, the longer the fruit can be stored. There is, however, a lower limit in terms of oxygen concentration, at which point fermentation will commence; this can reduce the quality of the fruit (and its shelf life, as a result). This is why 'safe' O2 concentrations, ie usually slightly over 1%, are usually used for storage.
Dynamic CA storage means that the fruit is automatically stored at optimum conditions which are constantly adjusted on the basis of the fruit's respiratory activity. Oxygen percentages of less than 1% are no problem because the oxygen concentration will be immediately amended if it threatens to get too low.
This provides maximum shelf-life!
