kontrollertatmosfære

Kontrollert atmosfære, often abbreviated as CA, refers to a method of preserving perishable goods, most commonly fruits and vegetables, by altering the composition of the air surrounding them. This process involves carefully controlling the levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2) within a sealed storage environment. By reducing the oxygen concentration and increasing the carbon dioxide concentration, the respiration rate of the produce is significantly slowed down. This reduced respiration leads to a decrease in the rate of metabolic processes, thereby delaying ripening, senescence, and the development of spoilage organisms.

The specific gas concentrations used in a controlled atmosphere storage system are tailored to the particular type of produce being stored, as different fruits and vegetables have varying sensitivities to oxygen and carbon dioxide. For example, apples are often stored in CA conditions with low oxygen and elevated carbon dioxide to extend their shelf life by several months, maintaining their crispness and flavor. This technique is widely employed in commercial food storage and transportation to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure the availability of fresh produce year-round. CA systems require specialized equipment to create and maintain the desired atmospheric composition, including gas sensors, scrubbers to remove excess CO2, and nitrogen generators to maintain the inert atmosphere.