Development and Application of Citrus Storage Technologies with Concurrent Consideration of Fruit Quality Preservation, Energy Use, and Costs

Abstract

Three varieties of citrus fruits, namely: ‘Liucheng’ orange (Citrus sinensis), ‘Ponkan’ mandarin (C. reticulata) and ‘Tankan’ tangor (C. reticulata × C. sinensis) are grown in large quantities in Taiwan. They have the potential to be stored for several months under proper conditions. Desirable temperature for long-term storage is 15℃, but the fruits can tolerate short spans of lower non-freezing temperatures. High relative humidity (85 – 95%) is desirable if the fruits are not kept in plastic bags. Many pre-harvest factors and pre-storage treatments can affect the storability and post-storage quality of the fruits. Although refrigerated storage is most reliable for quality preservation and storage loss control for the fruits, it may only be needed for long terms of storage. Common storage and cave storage, which are less costly and less energy consuming, are adequate alternatives for shorter periods of storage. Selecting cooler locations to store fruits may also have a merit.