Overview
ISO 873:1980 - "Peaches - Guide to cold storage" is an International Organization for Standardization guidance document for the post‑harvest cold storage of peaches (Prunus persica). It describes practical methods to obtain successful keeping of fresh peaches from harvesting through storage and release for the fresh market. The standard covers recommended storage temperatures, humidity, air circulation, handling, storage life expectations, and controlled‑atmosphere options, and includes annexes on limits of application, variety‑specific recommendations, and common wastage causes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Harvesting criteria
- Fruit should be of quality “extra” or “I”, sound, clean and free from bruises, physiological disorders and visible fungal/bacterial attack.
- Practical maturity indicators: basic ground colour, flesh firmness (spring penetrometer), and age from full flowering.
- Handling and packing
- Handle fruit carefully; packages should contain a single layer of fruit.
- Recommended stacking density: about 200–220 kg per m3 of usable storage space.
- Optimum cold storage conditions
- Temperature: general recommendation −1 to 2 °C (varies by variety); some varieties tolerate 0 °C better.
- Relative humidity: around 90%.
- Air circulation: air circulation ratio 20–25 (see ISO 2169), or a ventilation rate on the order recommended in ISO 2169.
- Storage life: depends on variety - typically 2–6 weeks at 0 °C (annex B provides variety‑specific temperatures and expected storage life).
- Controlled‑atmosphere storage
- Examples given: at 0 °C atmospheres with 8–10% CO2 and 11–13% O2 have worked for some varieties; other mixtures (e.g., low O2 with low CO2) are noted. Specific responses vary by cultivar; Elberta and others have particular gas‑mix guidance in annex B.
- End‑of‑storage operations
- Complementary ripening at 18–20 °C may be required; excessively long storage can prevent normal ripening.
- Wastage and disorders
- Annex C discusses common problems such as internal browning and cotton‑wool texture, with preventive measures (e.g., correct temperatures, sanitary handling, short storage duration).
Applications and users
ISO 873 is practical for:
- Post‑harvest technologists and researchers
- Growers, packers and cold storage operators
- Exporters, distribution and cold‑chain managers
- Quality assurance and compliance teams
Use cases include setting storage protocols for specific peach cultivars, developing cold‑chain SOPs, and training personnel on handling and controlled‑atmosphere considerations.
Related standards
- ISO 2169 (Fruits and vegetables - Physical conditions in cold stores - Definitions and measurement)
- AGRI/WP V/EUR.STAN.6 (revised European standard for peaches) - referenced for variety and quality criteria
Note: ISO 873 provides general guidance; annex A warns the recommendations are not universally applicable and should be adapted for local varieties, climates and horticultural conditions.