Plum Storage – Preservation Conditions

he plums are picked firm and cooled the same day. To limit rubbing, each plum is placed once, directly into the carton it will travel in; every extra transfer from crate to crate takes bloom off the skin.

The optimum storage temperature for plums is −1 to 0 °C at 90–95% relative humidity. The longest market life is reached at about 0 °C and ranges from 1 to 8 weeks depending on the variety. The main limit on market life is internal breakdown, a form of chilling injury: translucent or browning flesh, a mealy texture, fruit that fails to ripen and loss of flavour. Market life is shortest when fruit is held at 5 °C: a cold room or vehicle that is only moderately cool is the worst option for plums. Controlled atmosphere (6% O₂ + 17% CO₂) is recommended to reduce internal breakdown during shipment, although the benefit depends on the variety. See our guide to the cold chain in fresh produce export.