Fresh strawberries are highly perishable. Surface injury and respiration rates are common as a result of handling. This type of injury can cause rapid deterioration and development of decay. Surface injury can be controlled by careful attention to handling from harvest to post harvest. Prompt pre-cooling of harvested fruit to temperatures of 0°C (32-33°F) will slow down the respiration rate thus slowing down the deterioration process. By maintaining a temperature control chain through the distribution process losses can be greatly reduced. Berries generally enjoy high levels of carbon dioxide 10% - 30% as this atmosphere slows down the respiration rate and reduces the activity of decay causing organisms.

0ºC (32ºF) and 90-95% humidity. Pre-cooling following harvest is very important.

Strawberries are packed in a variety of styles. These styles include plastic clamshells of various sizes as well as dry pint plastic baskets. It is important that whatever method is used that packaging be well ventilated for proper cooling.

PEAKfresh® Benefits
When PEAKfresh® is used in conjunction with proper handling and cooling, a decrease in product deterioration and an increase in shelf life can be achieved. PEAKfresh® pallet covers offer the added protection needed to protect fruits and vegetables. PEAKfresh® pallet covers keep relative humidity levels high and help maintain proper carbon dioxide levels. PEAKfresh® pallet cover use helps reduce the moisture condensation when temperatures are not maintained properly. This reduction in moisture condensation helps to greatly reduce the decay process. PEAKfresh® pallet covers can be removed for product inspection and then reinstalled to continue to protect product.

PEAKfresh® Pallet Cover Installation
PEAKfresh® pallet covers are easily installed and require little labor and no special equipment. Pallet covers can be simply opened and pulled over the product to be protected. It should be noted that pallet covers should be installed in a manner as to not cover the wood or plastic pallet. If pallets are covered, air flow could be restricted causing improper air flow.

PEAKfresh® Trial Information
Please see the following link for a comparison test completed by UC Davis showing PEAKfresh® pallet covers compared to TECTROL
http://www.peakfreshusa.com/notes/UCDAVIScomparisontest.pdf

All recommendations for the use of PEAKfresh® products are given in good faith and based on proven field experience. Packaging method storage temperatures and humidity levels, transit and destination conditions are factors likely to affect the performance of PEAKfresh® products and no liability for indirect or consequential damage can be accepted. We recommend that PEAKfresh® products be trialed under local conditions before introduction to large scale commercial applications.