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Reefer - Commodity Handling Table

Recommended long-term storage conditions for container transportation

Contents: Fresh Vegetables and Melon | Fresh Fruit | Fresh Meat | Processed Meat | Dairy | Frozen Horticultural | Frozen Meat | Frozen Seafood | Miscellaneous
FRESH FRUIT
Commodity
Post-harvest Life (days)
Recommended
Temperature Settings
Recommended
Fresh Air Exchange (CFM)
Benefit from
Modified/
Controlled Atmosphere
Acceptable Receiving Pulp Temperature Range
Highest Freezing Point
 Remarks
°F
°C
°F
°C
°F
°C
Acerola
- Barbados Cherry
50-58
34
1.1
closed
none
32-40
0 to 4.4
      
Apples, Fuji, Gala,
Golden & Red Delicious
90-240
32
0
30
excellent
30-44
-1.1 to 6.7
29
-1.7
Storage in dark environment plus low O2 (1-3%) & high CO2 (1.5-3%) will increase post-harvest life expectancy up to 10 months.
Apples,
Granny Smith
90-240
33
0.6
30
excellent
30-44
-1.1 to 6.7
29.3
-1.5
Some reports indicate that chilling injury can occur at temp 32°F.
Apples,
Chilling sensitive
40-45
40
4.4
15
  
36-50
2.2 to 10
29.3
-1.5
  
Apricots
7-14
33
0.6
30
good
31-46
-0.6 to 7.8
30.5
-0.8
Avoid temp range 36-46°F.
Atemoya
28-42
55
12.8
closed
none
55-60
12.8 to 15.6
      
Avocados,
Mature-green
21-28
41-55
5-12.7
30
good
40-60
4.4 to 15.6
31.5
-0.3
Use of CA recommended for longer transit.
Avocados, Ripe
Avocados
14-21
36-40
2.2-4.4
30
good
40-60
4.4 to 15.6
31.5
-0.3
Use of CA recommended for longer transit.
Babaco
7-21
45
7.2
closed
none
45-50
7.2 to 10
      
Bananas
7-28
56-57
13.3-13.9
15
excellent
57-65
13.9 to 18.3
30.6
-0.8
Avoid setting temp below at 55°F. Best temp for bananas is at 55.76°F.
Berries,
Blackberries
2-3
33
0.6
15
very good
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30.6
-0.8
  
Berries,
Blueberries
7-14
33
0.6
15
very good
31-41
-0.6 to 5
29.7
-1.3
  
Berries,
Cranberries
60-120
37-40
2.8-4.4
15
slight
34-45
1.1 to 7.2
30.4
-0.9
  
Berries,
Currants
7-14
33
0.6
15
none
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30.2
-1.0
  
Berries,
Dewberries
2-3
33
0.6
15
none
31-41
-0.6 to 5
29.7
-1.3
  
Berries,
Elderberries
5-14
33
0.6
15
none
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30
-1.1
  
Berries,
Gooseberries
14-28
33
0.6
15
none
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30
-1.1
  
Berries,
Loganberries
2-3
33
0.6
15
none
31-41
-0.6 to 5
29.7
-1.3
  
Berries,
Raspberries
2-3
34
1.1
15
very good
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30.4
-0.9
  
Berries,
Strawberries
5-10
33
0.6
15
excellent
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30.6
-0.8
  
Breadfruit
14-40
55-57
12.8-13.8
45
good
54-65
12.2 to 18.3
      
Cactus Pear
- Prickly Pears
14-35
43-46
6.1-7.8
15
good
41-50
5 to 10
      
Calamondin
14
48-50
8.9-10
closed
none
48-55
8.9 to 12.8
      
Canistel
- Egg Fruit
21
55
12.8
closed
none
55-60
12.8 to 15.5
      
Carambola
- Starfruit
28-42
41
5
15
none
41-50
5 to 10
      
Cherries, Sour
3-7
32
0
15
very good
29-44
-1.7 to 6.7
29
-1.7
  
Cherries, Sweet
14-21
31
-0.6
15
very good
29-44
-1.7 to 6.7
28.8
-1.8
  
Clementines
14-21
40
4.4
45
none
38-45
3.3 to 7.2
      
Coconuts
30-60
32-34
0-1.1
closed
none
31-46
-0.6 to 7.8
30.4
-0.9
  
Dates
180-365
32
0
15
none
32-46
0 to 7.8
3.7
-15.7
Preferred R/H level at 70-75%.
Dragon Fruits
28-35
45
7.2
15
No published information
45-55
7.2 to 12.8
N/A
    
Dried Fruit
& Nuts
6 months and up
32-50
0-10
closed
excellent
32-70
0 to 21.1
    
The lower the moisture, the longer the post-harvest life.
Durian, Ripe
7-14
55-59
12.8-15
30
good
39-50
3.9 to 10
    
Cultivars vary in their chilling sensitivity. Can be damaged by storage at 41°F for 1 week and 50°F for 2 weeks.
Durian,
Mature unripe
21-35
55-59
12.8-15
30
good
39-50
3.9 to 10
    
Cultivars vary in their chilling sensitivity. Can be damaged by storage at 41°F for 1 week and 50°F for 2 weeks.
Feijoa
28-35
41
5
closed
none
41-50
5 to 10
      
Figs
7-14
32
0
15
good
28-44
-2.2 to 6.7
27.6
-2.4
California-grown "Black Mission" & "Calimyrna" at CA combination of 5-10% O2 and 15-20% CO2.
Grapefruit, Arizona/
California/Dry areas
28-42
58
14.4
15
fair
48-60
8.9 to 15.6
30
-1.1
  
Grapefruit,
Florida/Humid areas
28-42
48-60
8.9-15.6
15
fair
48-60
8.9 to 15.6
30
-1.1
  
Grapes, Table
56-180
31
-0.6
15
good
30-42
-1.1 to 5.6
28.1
-2.2
  
Guavas
14-21
46-50
7.8-10
30
slight
41-55
5 to 12.8
      
Jackfruit
14-21
56
13.3
45
No published information
56-80
13.3 to 26.7
    
Avoid setting temp below 54°F (chilling injury).
Jujubes
60-90
38-50
3.3-10
30
No published information
36-55
2.2 to 12.8
    
Fresh jujubes are susceptible to chilling injury if kept below 38°F.
Kiwifruit - Chinese
Gooseberry
90-150
33
0.6
15
excellent
31-39
-0.6 to 3.9
29.3
-1.5
Freezing damage can occur on early picked kiwi fruit when at 32°F or below.
Kumquats
14-28
39
3.9
closed
none
34-45
1.1 to 7.2
      
Langsat
10-15
52
11.1
closed
No published information
52-60
11.1 to 15.6
      
Lemons
30-180
54-57
12.2-13.9
15
good
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
29.4
-1.4
  
Limes
42-56
50-55
10-12.8
15
Use of CA is limited
          
Longan
14-28
36-41
2.2-5
30
good
35-45
1.7 to 7.2
      
Loquat
14-28
33
0.6
15
No published information
32-41
0 to 5
      
Lychee
21-35
35-50
1.7-10
15
good
34-50
1.1 to 10
    
Storage at 34°F or below for longer than 12 days will result in chilling injury.
Mangoes,
Partially-ripe & Ripe
14-21
50
10
30
good
45-55
7.2 to 12.8
30.4
-0.9
  
Mangoes,
Mature-green
21-28
55
12.8
30
good
50-55
10 to 12.8
30.4
-0.9
  
Mangosteens
14-28
56
13.3
30
none
56-65
13.3 to 18.3
      
Nectarines
& Peaches
14-28
32
0
15
good
30-36
-1.1 to 2.2
30.4
-0.9
Avoid temp range 36-50°F. There are approx. 350 cultivars in Calif. Shelf life varies among them.
Olives,
Fresh Green
28-42
41-45
5-7.2
15
good
41-50
5 to 10
29.4
-1.4
  
Oranges
21-90
38-48
3.3-8.9
15
fair
38-50
3.3 to 10
30.6
-0.8
Some Florida-grown cultivars can be kept at 32-34°F. Arizona-grown Valencia oranges should be kept at 48°F.
Oranges,
Mandarin/Tangerine
14-42
41-46
5-7.8
15
none/slight
38-50
3.3 to 10
30.1
-1.1
  
Papayas,
Mature-green
14-28
55
12.8
15
good
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
30.4
-0.9
Avoid setting temp below 45°F (chilling injury).
Papayas,
Partially-ripe
14-28
50
10
15
good
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
30.4
-0.9
Avoid setting temp below 45°F (chilling injury).
Papayas, ripe
14-28
45
7.2
15
good
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
30.4
-0.9
Avoid setting temp below 45°F (chilling injury).
Passion Fruit
14-21
45-50
7.2-10
45
none
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
    
Avoid setting temp below 41°F (chilling injury)
Peaches &
Nectarines
14-28
32
0
15
good
30-36
-1.1 to 2.2
30.4
-0.9
Avoid temp range 36-50°F. There are approx. 350 cultivars in Calif. Shelf life varies among them.
Pears, Anjou,
Bosc & Comice
120-180
31
-0.6
15
excellent
30-36
-1.1 to 2.2
28-29
-2.2 to -1.7
Winter pear varieties can be stored in CA for up to 4 months (Bosc & Comice) or 6 months (Anjou). Note: do not accept pear bookings when pears are already near their post-harvest life expectancy.
Pears, Asian
(20th-Century,
Shinseiki, Ya Pear)
120-180
32
0
15
excellent
31-41
-0.6 to 5
29
-1.7
  
Pears, Bartlett
90-180
32
0
15
excellent
30-44
-1.1 to 6.7
29.2
-1.6
  
Pepino - Mellow
Fruit, Treemelon
28-42
45-50
7.2-10
closed
No published information
40-60
4.4 to 15.6
    
Avoid longer storage at 45°F or below (chilling injury).
Persimmons, Fuyu
25-84
32
0
15
good
30-44
-1.1 to 6.7
28.1
-2.2
  
Persimmons,
Hachiya
50-90
32
0
15
good
30-44
-1.1 to 6.7
28.1
-2.2
  
Pineapples, Ripe
14-28
45-50
7.2-10
15
fair
45-55
7.2 to 12.8
30
-1.1
Avoid setting temp below 45°F (chilling injury).
Pineapples,
Partially-ripe
14-28
50-55
10-12.8
15
fair
45-55
7.2 to 12.8
30
-1.1
Avoid setting temp below 45°F (chilling injury).
Plaintains
10-35
48-59
8.9-15
15
No published information
46-68
7.7 to 20
30.6
-0.8
  
Plums
7-56
32
0
15
good
31-46
-0.6 to 7.8
30.5
-0.8
Avoid temp window of 36-46°F (killing temp range).
Pomegranates
60-90
41
5
15
excellent
32-51
0 to 10.6
27.6
-2.4
Longer storage in CA for more than 2 months should be kept at 50°F.
Pomeloes
- Pummeloes
84
45
7.2
15
No published information
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
      
Prunes
14-28
32
0
15
good
31-46
-0.6 to 7.8
30.5
-0.8
Avoid temp window 36-46°F (killing temp range).
Quince
60-90
32
0
30
No published information
31-44
-0.6 to 6.7
28.4
-2.0
  
Rambutan
7-21
50-54
10-12.2
30
good
50-65
10 to 18.3
      
Sapatas (Sapodilla
& Mamey Sapote)
14-28
58
14.4
30
good
54-60
12.2 to 15.6
      
Soursop
- Guanabana
21
59
15
60
none
59-68
15 to 20
      
Starfruit (Carambola)
28-42
42-50
5.6-10
15
No published information
40-55
4.4 to 12.8
      
Strawberries
5-10
33
0.6
15
excellent
31-41
-0.6 to 5
30.6
-0.8
  
Tamarilloes
36-70
37-39
2.8-3.9
30
No published information
37-50
2.8 to 10
     
Tamarinds
21-28
45
7.2
closed
none
45-60
7.2 to 15.6
      
Tangerine/Mandarin
14-42
41-46
5-7.8
15
none/slight
38-50
3.3 to 10
30.1
-1.1
  
Tomatilloes
21
55
12.8
closed
none
55-60
12.8 to 15.6
      
Uglifruit
14-21
40
4.4
closed
none
40-50
4.4 to 10
30.1
-1.1
  
Watermelons,
Seeded or Seedless
14-21
50-59
12.2-15
15
none/slight
50-60
10 to 15.6
30.9
-0.6
Watermelons are prone to chilling injury when stored at 45°F or below.
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CUT FLOWERS
Alstroemeria
14-21
33-36
0.6-2.2
15
slight
32-38
0 to 3.3
31
-0.6
Freezing damage may occur at temp below 31°F.
Anthurium
14-21
55
12.8
15
good
32-38
0 to 3.3
31.2
-0.4
Chilling injury will occur at temp below 50°F.
Carnation
14-28
34
1.1
15
No published information
32-38
0 to 3.3
31
-0.6
Freezing damage may occur at temp below 31°F.
Christmas Trees
30+
32
0
15
No published information
30-60
-1.1 to 15.6
N/A
  
Suggest spraying fresh water to the trees prior to closing the container doors.
Chrysanthemum
21-28
32
0
15
none
32-38
0 to 3.3
30
-1.1
Freezing damage may occur at temp below 30°F.
Flower Bulbs, Crocus/
Daffodil/Iris, Tulip
42+
63
17.2
15
No published information
          
Flowering & Foliage Plants
42+
59
15
75
No published information
          
Freesia
7
36
2.2
15
none
32-38
0 to 3.3
31
-0.6
Freezing damage may occur at temp below 31°F.
Ferns
30+
36
2.2
15
No published information
32-38
0 to 3.3
N/A
    
Lisianthus
N/A
33
0.6
15
No published information
32-38
0 to 3.3
31
-0.6
Freezing damage may occur at temp below 31°F.

Note: The above mentioned temperature and fresh-air exchange settings for each commodity are only recommended set points.

The post-harvest life expectancy and best temperature management for each commodity also vary by cultivars and post-harvest handlings.

Recommended temperature and fresh-air exchange settings are for general guidance only. These recommendations are based on standardized assumptions and industry research. Optimum settings may differ depending on the specific commodity, post-harvest handling and other variables. Shippers are responsible for determining the optimum settings best suited for their cargo.