Humidification & Water Systems Humidification & Water SystemsApples|Apricots|Asparagus|Broccoli|Cabbage|Cantaloupe|Carrots|Cauliflower|Fine Beans|Grapes|Green Peppers|Iceberg Lettuce|Kiwi Fruit|Mushroom|New Potato|Parsnip|Peaches|Plums|Raspberries|Runner Beans|Spinach|Strawberry|Sweet Pepper|Tomatoes
Tomate / Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Description: Tomatoes are a fruit and not a vegetable. Size and shape depends on the variety. Diameters can range from approx. 3 -10cm. Tomatoes have a thin, tough outer skin. The inside is divided into several segments, which contain the seeds.
Keeping qualities:
Ethylene: During the natural ripening process, a moderate amount of ethylene is produced. When Tomatoes are exposed to elevated levels of ethylene gas, ripening is accelerated. This causes softening of the fruit and a color change. Shelf life will be reduced.
Moisture Maintenance: Approx. Water Content: 93% Tomatoes have a very high water content.
Through maintaining a cool and moist environment it is possible to maximize shelf life.
The ideal storage conditions are 80-85% RH @ 14°C, at which conditions the fruit should last between 10-15 days.
Sensitivity Factors scale: 1-3 (3=very sensitive)
Temperature 3
Relative Humidity 1
Sensitivity to Ethylene 2
Chilling injuries 3
Weight Loss Graph: This graph shows how the product looses weight as it looses water when stored in a normal refrigerated environment of 5°C as opposed to one that is humidified to 95% RH.
