Hydrocooling – showering produce with chilled water
to remove heat, and possibly to clean produce at
the same time. The use of a disinfectant in the water
is essential, and some of the currently permitted
products are discussed later in this publication.
Hydrocooling is not appropriate for all produce.
Waterproof containers or water-resistant waxedcorrugated
cartons are required. Currently waxed
corrugated cartons have limited recycling or secondary
use outlets, and reusable, collapsible plastic
containers are gaining popularity. A list of vegetables
that are suitable for hydrocooling is available
in Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops (ANR
Publication 3311) as well as in Commercial Cooling of
Fruit, Vegetables, and Flowers