Characteristics of High - Quality Frozen Blackberries

High - quality frozen blackberries are carefully selected from ripe fruits in premium growing regions. Through three rounds of strict manual screening, the whole - fruit rate reaches an impressive 95%. This high whole - fruit rate ensures that consumers receive large, intact berries, which is crucial for both direct consumption and food processing. The rapid freezing technology employed in the production of these blackberries is a game - changer. It locks in the natural flavor and nutrients of the blackberries, as it can reduce the formation of large ice crystals within the fruit cells. For example, compared to slow - frozen blackberries, those frozen rapidly can retain up to 90% of their original vitamin C content, which is a vital nutrient for human health.

Key Points of Cold - Chain Transportation for Frozen Blackberries

Temperature Control

Temperature control is the most critical factor in the cold - chain transportation of frozen blackberries. The temperature must be strictly maintained within a range that keeps the blackberries frozen. Generally, the ideal temperature is between -18°C and -23°C. A study shows that if the temperature rises above -15°C during transportation, the texture of the blackberries may start to change, and the loss of nutrients can accelerate. For instance, in a real - world case, a shipment of frozen blackberries where the temperature control system malfunctioned and the temperature briefly rose to -10°C led to a 20% loss in the firmness of the berries and a 15% reduction in flavor intensity.

Transportation Equipment

The transportation equipment used for frozen blackberries needs to have excellent refrigeration and insulation performance. Refrigerated trucks and containers are commonly used. These vehicles should be regularly inspected to ensure their proper functioning. For example, a well - maintained refrigerated truck can maintain a stable temperature within the required range with a deviation of no more than ±1°C. Regular inspections, such as checking the refrigerant levels and the integrity of the insulation, can prevent potential breakdowns. In one case, a company that failed to conduct regular inspections on its refrigerated containers experienced a significant loss when the refrigeration system broke down midway through a long - distance shipment, resulting in the spoilage of a large quantity of frozen blackberries.

Packaging

Appropriate packaging is also essential. It can not only reduce physical damage to the blackberries during transportation but also assist in maintaining a low temperature. Vacuum - sealed bags or air - tight containers are often used. These packaging materials can prevent air and moisture from entering, which helps to preserve the quality of the blackberries. For example, a vacuum - sealed package can slow down the oxidation process of the blackberries, extending their shelf - life by up to 30% compared to non - vacuum - sealed packaging.

Transportation Time

The transportation time should be minimized as much as possible. The longer the transportation time, the higher the risk of temperature fluctuations and quality degradation. For short - distance transportation, it is recommended to complete the delivery within 24 hours. For long - distance international shipments, every effort should be made to keep the journey within 72 hours. In a specific case, a shipment of frozen blackberries that was delayed due to customs clearance issues took 96 hours to reach its destination. As a result, the quality of the blackberries declined significantly, with a visible loss of color and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding these key points of cold - chain transportation is of great significance for ensuring the quality of high - quality frozen blackberries during transportation. By strictly controlling the temperature, using proper transportation equipment, selecting appropriate packaging, and minimizing the transportation time, frozen blackberries can reach their destination in excellent condition. This is beneficial for the food industry, as high - quality frozen blackberries can be used as premium raw materials for making various products such as jams, juices, and desserts.