How to preserve cherries longer: the natural method without chemical additives

02 Apr 2025
1816

Cherries, appreciated for their sweet flavor and juicy texture, are also among the most delicate and perishable fruits. Ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition is a crucial challenge for the fruit and vegetable sector.

Addressing this need is Fruit Control Equipments (FCE), a company that has developed an innovative system based on three technological pillars: rapid cooling, controlled atmosphere (CA), and air sanitization. All of this is achieved without the use of chemical additives.

Three Steps for Prolonged Freshness

1. Rapid Cooling with CHYC™ HydroCooler

After harvest, cherries quickly begin to deteriorate due to ambient temperatures. To slow down this process, it is essential to lower their temperature immediately.

The CHYC™ HydroCooler system by FCE enables uniform and rapid cooling down to +1/+2 °C, using an innovative shower system that prevents thermal shock. This method not only preserves the organoleptic properties of cherries but also maintains their crispness and juiciness, extending their shelf life.

2. Controlled Atmosphere with Flex Fruit Case (FFC)

Once cooled, cherries must be stored in optimal conditions to keep their freshness intact. Managing oxygen and carbon dioxide plays a key role in this process.

The Flex Fruit Case (FFC) technology allows CA to be applied directly to pallets, precisely regulating gas levels to slow down the fruit's metabolism. This system enables cherries to be stored for up to 60 days without the use of chemical preservatives, ensuring consistent quality throughout the distribution chain and reducing product waste.

3. Air Sanitization with IONNY®

Beyond temperature and atmosphere control, the quality of the air in storage environments also plays a crucial role in preserving cherries.

The IONNY® system by FCE uses advanced ionization technology to reduce microbial load in the environment, eliminating fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. This approach improves hygienic conditions, preventing the spread of pathogens and protecting the product's freshness without using chemical substances.

A Sustainable Future for Cherry Preservation

Thanks to these cutting-edge solutions, producers and distributors can ensure a product that is always fresh and safe, optimizing the entire supply chain.

FCE’s technological innovation represents a significant step forward for a more sustainable agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical additives and enhancing the natural quality of cherries.

Text and images: poscosecha.com


Cherry Times - All Rights Reserved

What to read next

Tart cherry as a functional ingredient: scientific evidence and critical issues

Health

24 Feb 2026

A 2025 US review examines the nutraceutical properties of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), highlighting its rich polyphenol, anthocyanin and flavonoid content. Evidence supports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while gaps remain in bioavailability and processing impact.

Climate change reshapes Chilean cherry production strategies

Events

10 Feb 2026

Climate change is reducing cherry volumes in Chile, pushing growers and researchers to rethink varieties, orchard management and postharvest strategies. New predictive models aim to safeguard quality and exports to the Chinese market worldwide globally.

In evidenza

Biotechnological strategies for Drosophila suzukii control: advances, limitations, and future perspectives

Crop protection

21 Apr 2026

Drosophila suzukii is a major invasive pest of soft fruits, causing significant economic losses. A study evaluates sterile insect technique, viral biocontrol and RNAi, assessing effectiveness, limits and future perspectives for sustainable pest management strategies.

Stemilt signs an agreement to grow the extra-late KIR varieties

Varieties

21 Apr 2026

Stemilt has signed an agreement with Brandt’s Fruit Trees and LFP to grow KIR cherries, late and ultra-late varieties bred in Germany, aiming to extend the commercial season through September and enhance the quality of premium cherry supply in the United States market.

Tag Popolari