Development and validation of a storage time prediction model for fruits and vegetables in cold chain systems

A storage time prediction model was established in this study for fruits and vegetables in cold chain logistics. The equations, which were used to calculate the storage time of fruits and vegetables at different storage temperatures were obtained based on the energy conservation in thermal theory. Prediction of the storage time of fruits and vegetables at varying temperatures was evaluated using that at 0°C as the benchmark. An equation was also derived for optimizing storage time with the temperatures dynamically collected and stored. According to the data from eight kinds of fresh vegetables, the fitted equations for the relationship between the storage time and the temperature were determined. Practical applications The method can be used to predict the storage time and the remaining amount of the fresh vegetables and fruits. The loss during the cold chain will be reduced if the method is widely used.