Cold storage technologies for fresh fruits: impacts on shelf life and nutritional quality

Fresh fruits are highly perishable due to continuous metabolic activity after harvest, leading to rapid quality deterioration if not properly stored. Cold storage is one of the most effective postharvest technologies for extending shelf life and maintaining fruit quality. This review examines the principles of cold storage technologies and evaluates their impacts on shelf life and nutritional quality of fresh fruits. Key factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric composition are discussed, along with their influence on physiological behavior, nutrient retention, and postharvest disorders. Advanced approaches, including controlled and modified atmosphere storage and emerging smart cold storage systems, are also reviewed. Understanding the interaction between cold storage conditions and fruit physiology is essential for optimizing storage strategies and reducing postharvest losses.