As a catering procurement or storage professional, you're always looking for ways to keep your ingredients fresh. When it comes to garlic, the temperature range of -3°C to 0°C is a game - changer. According to food preservation research, this temperature range significantly impacts garlic's physiological activities.
"In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it was found that at -3°C to 0°C, the respiratory intensity of garlic can be reduced by up to 70% compared to room temperature."
The low temperature in this range inhibits the activity of enzymes that cause the breakdown of garlic. Enzymes are like little workers in the garlic cells, and when the temperature drops, they slow down. This means that the garlic's natural aging process, including sprouting and rotting, is greatly delayed.
Temperature is not the only factor. Humidity also plays a crucial role. You should maintain a humidity level between 85% - 90% in the cold storage. If the humidity is too low, the garlic will dry out; if it's too high, mold can grow. To achieve this, you can use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent condensation. Condensation can lead to water accumulation on the garlic, which promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. Design your cold storage with vents that allow for a gentle flow of air. This will help keep the air fresh and dry.
When storing garlic, stack it in layers to avoid crushing. You can use racks or pallets to create different levels. This not only prevents physical damage but also allows for better air circulation around the garlic.
In the Middle East, restaurants often face issues such as fast - sprouting and easy - rotting of garlic. The -3°C to 0°C temperature range, combined with proper humidity and ventilation, can solve these problems. By controlling the temperature, you can slow down the sprouting process. And with good humidity and ventilation, the risk of rotting is greatly reduced.
There are many successful cases in the agricultural engineering field and among chain restaurants. For example, a large - scale chain restaurant in Dubai implemented this cold storage method. They reported a 60% reduction in garlic waste within the first three months of use. This not only saved them money but also ensured a consistent supply of fresh garlic for their dishes.
To make your cold storage management more efficient, you can use tools like temperature and humidity recorders. These devices can continuously monitor the environmental conditions in your cold storage. You can also use partition labels in the cold storage to clearly mark different areas for different batches of garlic. This will help you quickly identify and manage your inventory.
At our company, we understand the importance of proper cold storage. Our products are designed with professional cold storage standards. When you source garlic from us, you can be sure that it has been stored at the optimal temperature and humidity. This means that you'll receive fresh, high - quality garlic right at your doorstep.
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