Keeping Vegetables i Fresh n Transit
Page 39
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THE use of ice to maintain loads of vegetables in good condition in transit is referred to in the report of a team which visited the U.S.A. recently under the auspices of the Anglo-American Council on Productivity. At a Michigan celery-packing plant, it was the practice to blow a ton of crushed ice into unrefrigerated vehicles, which could hold up to 500 crates.
In California, lettuce carried on hauls of about 100 miles was packed with ice. This gave better results than blowing ice on to the top of the boxes.
Road transport played an important part in moving fruit and vegetables in the U.S.A., although there was keen competition with the excellent railway facilities. Some large growers and cooperatives. also chain stores, maintained large vehicle fleets for such work. Most of the lorries were large articulated 15tonners with insulated light-alloy or stainless-steel bodies, some incorporating refrigerating plant. insulation around the sides was 2-6 ins. thick.
Cooling plant was mainly found in the long-distance vehicles and was usually mounted high on the front of the semitrailer, with the compressor outside and the evaporating coils and fan inside. Cold air could be blown above the top of the load, or there could be a short input duct and an extraction duct at floor level.
Copies of the report, entitled "Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Prepackaging," may be obtained, price 3s.. post included, from the council, 21, Tothill Street, London, S.W.I.