Introduction

Proper storage of fruits is crucial for maintaining their freshness, taste, and nutritional value. At Global Orchards, we are committed to providing the best quality produce, and that includes ensuring optimal storage conditions. Whether you are a retailer, exporter, or simply a fruit enthusiast, understanding the art of fruit storage can help you enjoy your fruits at their best for longer. In this blog, we share essential tips and insights on how to store various types of fruits effectively, including our licensed specialties: oranges and passion fruits.

1. Understanding Fruit Categories

Fruits can be broadly categorized based on their storage needs:

• Climacteric Fruits: These fruits continue to ripen after being harvested. Examples include bananas, apples, avocados, and tomatoes.
• Non-Climacteric Fruits: These fruits do not ripen significantly after harvest and should be consumed soon after reaching their peak ripeness. Examples include berries, grapes, citrus fruits, and passion fruits.

2. General Storage Guidelines

• Temperature: Most fruits should be stored at cool temperatures, typically between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C), to slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. However, some tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples are sensitive to cold and should be stored at room temperature until ripe.
• Humidity: Maintaining the right humidity level is crucial. High humidity (85-95%) helps prevent dehydration and wilting in most fruits. Use a humidifier or place a damp cloth in the storage area to maintain moisture.
• Ventilation: Proper air circulation is essential to prevent the buildup of ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening and spoilage. Ensure your storage area is well-ventilated.

3. Specific Storage Tips for Popular Fruits

• Oranges: Store oranges in a cool, well-ventilated place. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Avoid storing them in plastic bags to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
• Passion Fruits: Store passion fruits at room temperature until they become wrinkled and ripe. Once ripe, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Passion fruits have a short shelf life, so it’s best to consume them soon after ripening.
• Apples: Store apples in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odor absorption. Apples release ethylene gas, so keep them separate from other fruits and vegetables.
• Berries: Berries are delicate and prone to mold. Store them unwashed in a breathable container lined with paper towels. Wash just before eating.
• Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. Avoid storing them in plastic bags to prevent moisture buildup.
• Bananas: Store bananas at room temperature until they reach your desired ripeness. To slow down ripening, you can place them in the refrigerator. The skin may darken, but the fruit inside will remain fresh.
• Avocados: Store avocados at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with a banana.
• Grapes: Keep grapes in the refrigerator in a breathable container or perforated plastic bag. Avoid washing them before storage to prevent moisture buildup.

4. Advanced Storage Techniques

• Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CAS): This technique is used in commercial settings to extend the shelf life of fruits. CAS involves controlling the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in the storage environment, along with temperature and humidity.
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): This involves packaging fruits in a way that alters the composition of the air around them, slowing down respiration and spoilage. MAP is commonly used for berries and pre-cut fruits.

5. Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding fruits in storage containers or drawers. This can lead to bruising and uneven ripening.
• Ignoring Ethylene Sensitivity: Be mindful of which fruits produce ethylene gas and which are sensitive to it. Store ethylene-producing fruits separately from ethylene-sensitive ones.
• Inadequate Cleaning: Ensure storage areas and containers are clean to prevent contamination and the spread of mold and bacteria.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of fruit storage is essential for enjoying fresh, delicious produce for longer. At Global Orchards, we prioritize the quality and freshness of our fruits from orchard to table. By following these storage tips and techniques, you can ensure your fruits remain at their best, providing maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.

Stay tuned for more tips and insights from Global Orchards, and enjoy the bounty of nature with confidence!

Sustainability has become a crucial factor in the avocado trade, and at Global Orchards, we are committed to meeting these evolving demands. Consumers and retailers are increasingly seeking ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. Trends in this area include:

Sustainable Farming Practices: At Global Orchards, we implement water-saving techniques, organic farming methods, and reduce pesticide use to ensure our farming practices are eco-friendly.
Fair Trade Certification: We are dedicated to ensuring fair wages and working conditions for our farmers, supporting their well-being and fostering ethical trade practices.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: We continuously strive to minimize the environmental impact of our transportation and packaging processes, reducing our overall carbon footprint.

Through these efforts, Global Orchards is at the forefront of sustainable avocado farming, providing high-quality, responsibly sourced produce to meet the demands of today’s conscientious consumers.

Avocado farming practices can vary depending on the region and specific conditions, but there are several globally accepted practices that contribute to successful and sustainable avocado cultivation:

1. Site Selection and Preparation

Climate and Soil Requirements: At Global Orchards, we prioritize choosing sites with well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Avocado trees thrive in loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. We ensure optimal air circulation to minimize humidity-related diseases, crucial for maintaining healthy avocado trees.

Altitude and Temperature: Our farms are strategically located within Kenya’s optimal altitudes of 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level, where temperatures range from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F), ideal for avocado growth and fruit development.

2. Variety Selection

Choose Suitable Varieties: Global Orchards selects avocado varieties like Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton, well-adapted to local climates and in high demand for their exceptional flavor and marketability.

3. Planting

Spacing and Layout: We plant avocado trees with proper spacing of 5 to 8 meters apart in rows, ensuring each tree has ample space for healthy growth, sunlight penetration, and efficient machinery access.

Grafting: Our propagation methods include grafting onto rootstocks to ensure disease resistance, improved fruit quality, and early fruiting.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

Water Requirements: Global Orchards implements drip irrigation systems to provide consistent water supply directly to the tree roots, optimizing water use efficiency especially during critical growth stages and dry periods.

5. Fertilization and Soil Management

Nutrient Requirements: We conduct regular soil tests to assess nutrient deficiencies and apply customized fertilization plans. Avocado trees at Global Orchards receive balanced nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients for robust growth and fruit production.

Organic Matter and Mulching: To enhance soil fertility and structure, we incorporate organic matter into the soil and apply mulching techniques to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain optimal soil temperature.

6. Pruning and Canopy Management Pruning: Our expert team prunes avocado trees regularly to promote a balanced canopy, improve airflow, and remove diseased or overcrowded branches, thereby encouraging healthy fruit production and facilitating harvesting.

7. Pest and Disease Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Global Orchards practices IPM by monitoring pest populations, implementing cultural controls, and utilizing biological agents to manage pests such as thrips, mites, and scales effectively while minimizing pesticide use.

Disease Prevention: We employ preventive measures like proper irrigation management, good drainage systems, and timely application of fungicides to prevent diseases like root rot and anthracnose.

8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handlin

Maturity and Harvesting: Avocados are harvested at Global Orchards when they reach optimal maturity, ensuring peak flavor and quality. Our harvesting techniques minimize damage to the fruit and maintain freshness.

Post-Harvest Handling: We meticulously handle avocados to avoid bruising, grade them based on size and quality, and store them in controlled environments to extend shelf life and preserve quality during transportation and distribution.

9. Market Access and Certification

Quality Standards: Global Orchards adheres to stringent local and international quality standards and certifications such as Global GAP, ensuring our avocados meet the highest safety, traceability, and sustainability requirements.

10. Sustainability Practices

Environmental Stewardship: We are committed to sustainable practices including water conservation, soil health management, and biodiversity conservation, minimizing our environmental footprint while ensuring long-term farm productivity.

Community and Social Responsibility: Global Orchards engages with local communities, supports fair labor practices, and contributes to socio-economic development in farming regions, fostering sustainable livelihoods and community well-being.

By integrating these globally accepted practices into our avocado farming operations at Global Orchards, we strive to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality, and uphold sustainable agricultural practices, meeting the demands of discerning consumers both locally and internationally. Join us in celebrating the excellence of Kenya’s avocado harvest with Global Orchards!

This personalized adaptation highlights how Global Orchards implements globally accepted avocado farming practices, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and community engagement throughout the cultivation process.