Overview
ISO 2166:1981 - "Carrots - Guide to storage" is an International Standard that provides general guidance for the successful conservation of carrots (Daucus carota Linnaeus) with or without artificial cooling. The standard covers recommended conditions for harvesting, putting into store, storage methods and optimum environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, air circulation), and gives an expected storage life. An annex lists limits of application and notes that local conditions and variety differences may require adaptation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to carrots intended for winter storage; guidance is general and may need local adjustment.
- Harvesting and handling
- Prefer late-sowing varieties for storage use.
- Harvest in good time - do not overmature.
- Cut tops at the crown without damaging roots.
- Avoid washing before storage (soil adhering from heavy, wet soils may improve keeping); washing after storage is acceptable.
- Do not store carrots together with ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.
- Storage methods
- Acceptable packaging: box-pallets, boxes, bags, or bulk storage.
- Maximum recommended bulk layer height: generally 2–3 m; for bags the recommended maximum height is about 3 m.
- Perforated plastic films may be used as internal linings or to cover stacks.
- Optimum storage conditions
- Temperature: keep between 0 °C and +5 °C; optimum is 0 to +1 °C.
- Relative humidity:
- At 0 to +1 °C (refrigerated chambers): 95–98% RH.
- At +1 to +5 °C with fans (no artificial cooling): 90–95% RH.
- Air circulation: circulation must maintain uniform temperature and RH; vigorous circulation is required for bulk storage as height approaches maximum (value cited in the standard).
- Storage life: expected storage life is generally 4–6 months.
- Reference: See ISO 2169 for definitions and measurement of cold-store physical conditions.
Applications and users
ISO 2166:1981 is practical for:
- Carrot growers and agronomists selecting varieties and harvest timing for winter storage.
- Packing houses, cold-store managers and logistics planners designing storage rooms and stacking/palletizing systems.
- Post-harvest technicians and food-supply chain professionals setting temperature, humidity and ventilation policies.
- Agricultural extension services and consultants developing best-practice guidance for carrot preservation.
Related standards and notes
- Related: ISO 2169 (Fruits and vegetables - Physical conditions in cold stores - Definitions and measurement) for measurement and terminology.
- The standard is advisory and general; users should adapt recommendations to local climates, carrot varieties and operational constraints as noted in the annex.
Keywords: ISO 2166:1981, carrots storage guide, carrot storage conditions, temperature, relative humidity, air circulation, Daucus carota, cold storage, postharvest handling.