Zero-Energy Cool Chamber for Tomato Storage

Zero-energy cool chamber (ZEC) was built in this study to extend the shelf/storage life of tomatoes. Tomatoes were stored in ZEC, room, and outside conditions to evaluate the performance of the chamber. Physico-chemical analyses of stored tomatoes were performed at regular intervals. These analyses include physiological weight loss (PWL), visual appearance (VA), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and pH. The physico-chemical properties of ZEC stored tomatoes were compared with those stored in the outside (OS) and room (RM) conditions. The average cooling efficiency of ZEC was determined as 89%. The ZEC maintained the qualitative, quantitative, and nutritive attributes of tomatoes by slowing down the respiration and/or transpiration rate. Tomatoes stored in ZEC were useable and marketable on the 40th day of storage. On the other hand, tomatoes stored in RM and OS condition were decayed on 12th and 16th day of storage, respectively. Therefore, ZEC is a low-cost, zero-energy, and environment-friendly option for the short-term storage of tomatoes.