Pavlo Bulgakov, an international vegetable farming consultant, discusses the importance of adhering to proper onion storage technologies in his article for "Ukrainian Gardening." Using the example of the Taresko hybrid in the storage facility of Green Team, which is designed to hold 50,000 tons of vegetable products simultaneously, Bulgakov emphasizes the necessity of choosing the right containers for onions and ensuring proper acclimatization conditions.
One of the key aspects of proper onion storage is the construction of the containers in which the produce is placed. The containers must be filled to the brim with onions because the produce shrinks during drying.
Another important aspect is avoiding overcooling onions. Overcooled produce can lead to rejection by supermarkets. Bulgakov notes that overcooled onions are highly susceptible to damage on the production line, which decreases their quality.
To ensure the quality of onions after they leave the storage facility, Bulgakov highlights the importance of the acclimatization process. A sharp temperature drop can cause condensation on the onions, making them moist and significantly reducing their quality during subsequent storage, transportation, and shelf life in stores.
For quick and efficient acclimatization of vegetables, the expert advises using a mobile vacuum wall, which helps avoid the negative effects of temperature fluctuations.
Source: agrotimes.ua