Secret to storing winter melon

A winter melon is usually very large, and usually only what is needed for the day is eaten, and the rest is stored. The best way to store winter melon is to keep it in a cold storage. Low temperature can delay the loss of nutrients and allow winter melon to be stored for a longer time. During the storage process of winter melon, water must be strictly avoided. If there is water, the winter melon will rot and mold. Let’s learn some tips on storing winter melon.

Harvesting and storage of wax gourd

The most taboo in winter melon storage is moisture, so the humidity should be kept relatively low.

There are roughly two types of winter melon: green-skinned winter melon and white-skinned winter melon. Green winter melon is more durable in storage. If it is harvested in autumn and handled properly, it can be stored until the next year.

Cold storage of winter melon

Winter melon can be stored in cold storage, which is the most suitable storage method internationally so far.

Charcoal maggot disease is one of the common diseases of winter melon during storage. It is a disease brought in from the field, so low temperature becomes even more necessary.

Winter melon is easily damaged by cold, and the temperature of cold damage is about 10℃. Therefore, friends who choose cold storage to store winter melon should keep in mind the temperature of cold damage of winter melon.

What is the temperature and humidity for cold storage of winter melon?

The data summarized by Haoshuang Refrigeration is as follows:

Winter melon storage temperature: 10~15℃,

Relative humidity: 70%~85%,

Freezing point: -0.9℃,

Chilling injury temperature: <10℃.

In the above cold storage environment, winter melon can be stored for at least 4 to 6 months.

In addition to cold storage, there are many other folk storage methods for winter melon. Although the effect is not as good as cold storage, it can also alleviate temporary needs. Haoshuang Refrigeration has compiled several folk winter melon storage methods for everyone to facilitate temporary alternative winter melon storage when the cold storage has not been built.

Field storage method.

This method is suitable for autumn. On the basis of strengthening the late fertilizer and water management in the field, each unripe winter melon can be padded with wheat straw or licorice, and then covered with wheat straw or hay.

During the process, be careful to avoid direct sunlight and prevent excessive moisture and rot.

By using this method, the winter melon can be delayed in maturing and harvested until the low temperatures in winter.

Cellaring method.

Choose a cool, ventilated and dry cellar or warehouse. After thorough disinfection, place sleepers or other overhead materials on the ground, and then place soft and ventilated materials such as hay on top. Place the winter melon on top, making sure to place it in the same way as when the winter melon was growing in the field.

Temperature and humidity cannot be ignored when storing goods at room temperature. If the humidity is too high or the temperature exceeds 30℃, you should turn on the exhaust fan or air conditioner to ventilate and cool down, and avoid direct sunlight in the warehouse.