Wax gourd, a common staple on dining tables, is highly favored by the public for its delicious taste and diverse cooking methods. Whether it's the crispness when stir - fried or the softness when stewed, it presents a unique flavor, making it a popular ingredient throughout the year and widely cultivated in numerous regions around the world. However, the preservation of wax gourd has always been a challenging issue. Among various wax gourd storage methods, cold storage has emerged as a preferred approach internationally.

Xueyun Cold Chain Company has demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of wax gourd cold - storage preservation, thanks to its professional expertise and extensive experience. During the storage process of wax gourd, anthracnose is a relatively common disease. It usually lies dormant in the fields and may flare up under suitable conditions once the wax gourd enters the storage phase. Therefore, low - temperature storage is of great significance for inhibiting the growth of pathogens and prolonging the freshness - keeping period of wax gourd.

However, wax gourd is relatively "fragile" and sensitive to low temperatures. The chilling - injury temperature is approximately around 10°C. Once the storage temperature drops below this threshold, the wax gourd may suffer from chilling injury, affecting its quality and taste. Thus, precisely controlling the temperature of the cold storage is crucial. Xueyun Cold Chain Company strictly adheres to scientific standards and elaborates on the key storage points of wax gourd in cold storage as follows:

Temperature Setting

The suitable storage temperature for wax gourd ranges from 10 to 15°C. Within this temperature range, the physiological activities of wax gourd, such as respiration and metabolism, will remain at a relatively low and stable level. This can not only suppress the growth of pathogens but also prevent chilling injury, maximizing the freshness of wax gourd. For instance, Xueyun Cold Chain Company can stably maintain the temperature at around 12°C, enabling the various physiological indicators of wax gourd to remain in an optimal state and extending the freshness - keeping duration.

Humidity Regulation

The relative humidity is preferably maintained at 70% - 85%. If the humidity is too high, it creates favorable conditions for the growth of pathogens, leading to mildew and rot of the wax gourd. Conversely, if the humidity is too low, the wax gourd will wither due to excessive water loss, affecting its taste and quality. Xueyun Cold Chain Company can accurately control the humidity inside the storage by installing humidity - regulating devices such as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, creating an ideal storage environment for wax gourd.

Preparation of Cold - storage Equipment

Before storing wax gourd in the cold storage, Xueyun Cold Chain Company conducts a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of the cold - storage facility. It checks whether the refrigeration system and ventilation system are operating normally to ensure that there are no potential equipment malfunctions. The interior of the cold storage is thoroughly disinfected with professional disinfectants to kill any potential pathogens and pests, creating a clean and hygienic storage space for wax gourd.

Pretreatment before Warehousing

When harvesting wax gourd, select those with an intact epidermis, free from pests and diseases, and at an appropriate maturity level. It is advisable to use scissors or knives during picking and leave a short section of the melon stalk to avoid damaging the epidermis during handling. After picking, place the wax gourd in a cool place for 1 - 2 days to allow the surface wounds to heal, reducing the risk of pathogen invasion. Subsequently, gently wipe the surface of the wax gourd with a clean damp cloth to remove dust and impurities. However, be careful not to over - wet the wax gourd, as this can easily cause rotting.

Stacking Method

The stacking of wax gourd in the cold storage also requires attention. A reasonable stacking method should be adopted to ensure smooth air circulation. Xueyun Cold Chain Company can use shelves to store wax gourd, placing them in a single layer to avoid mutual extrusion. This allows each wax gourd to fully come into contact with the cold air, ensuring a uniform temperature inside the cold storage, which is conducive to extending the freshness - keeping period of wax gourd. If the stacking method is used, sufficient passages and gaps should be left between the stacks to facilitate ventilation and daily inspections.

Daily Management

During the storage of wax gourd, Xueyun Cold Chain Company assigns dedicated personnel to regularly check the temperature and humidity of the cold storage and keep records. Once any abnormalities in temperature and humidity are detected, the equipment is adjusted promptly. At the same time, the condition of the wax gourd is inspected regularly. If any signs of decay or deterioration are found, the affected wax gourd is immediately removed from the cold storage to prevent the spread of pathogens and safeguard the quality of other wax gourds.

Under the carefully regulated cold - storage environment of Xueyun Cold Chain Company, wax gourd can be stored for at least 4 - 6 months, effectively meeting the long - term supply needs of the market. This provides a strong guarantee for the long - term storage and market supply of wax gourd.