Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Ediciones UPCT
Abstract
The proper design of the container for fresh fruits and vegetables is very important
for the correct and rapid cooling of these packaged foods. Both the bulk packaging and the
primary packaging must have adequate openings, such as macro-perforations in the film that
closes the primary packaging or ventilation windows as in the case of bulk packaging crates
(whether cardboard or plastic). Consequently, the heat transfer coefficient will be increased,
and a significant reduction in cooling time can be achieved, thus reducing the specific energy
consumption (in kWh/kg of produce) in the refrigeration installation during the pre-cooling
process, and during storage and transport at marketing temperature. On the other hand, the
active packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables can achieve a significant decrease in respiratory
activity and, therefore, a reduction in the heat produced (in kWh/kg of produce) by respiration
during pre-cooling, cold storage and refrigerated transport.The authors are grateful for the grant PID2020-119882RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/
10.13039/501100011033