Red Currant Storage
CA storage is incredibly beneficial compared to normal coldstores!
Read below how this works.
General info about Red currant storage
Red currants are cultivated globally, with Europe leading production, particularly in countries like Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Known for their bright color and tangy flavor, they are highly valued in culinary traditions for making jams, desserts, and beverages. Their popularity continues to grow worldwide due to their versatility, nutritional benefits, and appeal in both fresh and processed forms, making them a staple in fruit markets and kitchens alike.
Harvesting Red currants - initial quality is the key!
In general, the decision to start the harvest is determined by the color of the currant. Sugar and acidity are also involved. Every redcurrant needs to be harvested directly once it is matured due the fact that the currant loses its quality of taste rather quickly. The redcurrants need to be handled with upmost care, every touch can lead to a potential bruise threat or fungus growth.
Pre-cooling red currants
Red currants are delicate berries with a relatively short storage life, but proper handling and storage conditions can help maintain their quality. Ideal storage temperatures range from 0°C to 2°C, with a high relative humidity of 90-95% to prevent dehydration. Pre-cooling immediately after harvest is essential to slow respiration and preserve freshness.
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage can extend the shelf life of red currants by reducing oxygen (O₂) levels to 3-5% and increasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels to 15-20%, which helps inhibit decay and maintain their vibrant color and tart flavor. While red currants are non-climacteric and do not ripen further after harvest, proper storage conditions are key to ensuring their market quality and shelf life.
(CA) Controlled atmosphere storage of REd Currants
Optimizing Storage Conditions to Maximize Shelf Life
Red currants are best stored in cold storage under Controlled Atmosphere (CA) conditions to maintain their quality. They remain in optimal condition at a temperature of 2°C, with a relative humidity of 90-95% to minimize moisture loss. Red currants respond well to reduced oxygen (O₂) and increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which significantly extend their shelf life. Under CA storage, their freshness can be preserved for up to 10 months, ensuring they stay firm, flavorful, and market-ready for an extended period.
Maintain initial quality & reduce fruit loss
Effects of CA storage
- Maining initial firmness and texture
- Reduced respiration rate
- Maintain nutrients
- Prevent mould growth
- Delay ripening of climacteric fruits
- Prevent scald
- Internal browning for apples
- Prevent discoloration
- Less weight loss (monitor by water-meter connected with MyFruit)
CHeck our CA solutions for Red currants
Red Currant CA storage reference projects
CA Equipment for Red currant
If your product variety is relatively new and no data is currently available, we can provide a complete set of easy-to-use research facilities and guidance to help you conduct small field research yourself!
