The complex ripening process for the latest harvest of Melannurca Campana IGP has just been completed at Aop Luce. "The first apples were picked in mid-September and then placed on a surface covered by soft organic materials called melaio, for another fifteen days. It is precisely this reddening process, which on the one hand allows the Melannurca apple to develop a high content of procyanidins (a group of polyphenols with recognized health effects) much higher than any other apple cultivar, on the other hand it shortens its shelf-life. Unlike other apples, the shelf-life of the Melannurca does not exceed 7 months in cold storage," said Giacomo Galdiero, CEO of Aop Luce.
The preservation of this apple over time is of fundamental importance under these circumstances. This is why the PO Giotto, member company of Aop Luce and specialized in fruit processing, reached out to one of the leading companies in the post-harvesting technology sector and its historical supplier, SAIM IMPIANTI di Fondi, in the province of Latina, for the realization of a new section inside the plant.
PO Giotto refrigeration plant
SAIM has recently developed for the PO Giotto a new refrigeration plant of the latest generation, with refrigerated storage cells and anteroom; each of the cells can operate with a different storage capacity. The technologies include the use of M.A. (Modified Atmosphere) with ozone gas for the sanitization of the cells and stored products, a heat recovery system to optimize the defrosting cycles, and the use of water-based refrigerant fluid and antifreeze to reduce emissions of HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), which is a refrigerant gas that negatively affects the climate.
Remote control and remote management layout on PC
Daniele Simonelli of Saim Impianti highlighted the benefits of using modified atmosphere with gaseous ozone. "The choice of refrigerating with gaseous ozone is aimed at increasing the quality of the fruit. This technology, completely natural, allows to contrast the action of viruses, bacteria, fungi, moulds and prevent cross contamination. The ozone also acts by controlling the emission of ethylene produced by the fruit, thus delaying its senescence. The results obtained from the application of this preservation technology on apples showed a lower weight loss and a lower incidence of rotting. This means a high quality apple characterized by greater freshness, without the use of chemical additives.
Engine room
The plant designed specifically for the PO Giotto by SAIM IMPIANTI, has the requisites dictated by the Industry 4.0. The phases of refrigeration and sanitation with ozone are interconnected and can be managed remotely. Moreover, even in the case of abnormalities, it is possible to intervene promptly and remotely to process decisions in line with the needs of the company. Aop Luce considers Saim a winning partner that allowed to enhance the quality of the typical local products of which the association of producers is specialized.
Contact:
A.O.P. LUCE
Email: info@aopluce.com
Website: www.aopluce.com
SAIM SERVICE
Via Pantanello, 19 (Z.I)
04022 Fondi (LT)
Phone.: +39 (0)771 510470
Fax: +39 (0)771 532029
Email: info@saimimpianti.com
Website: www.saimimpianti.com
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