Broccoli preservation involves several key steps to maintain quality and freshness. First, the raw materials must meet strict quality standards. The buds should be fresh, firm, and uniformly spherical, with a bright green color. They must be free from pests, diseases, mechanical damage, mildew, decay, softness, discoloration, or deformities. The plant height should be at least 14 cm, and the bud diameter (shortest) should measure between 11–13 cm.
The processing flow includes precooling, trimming the heads, removing leaves, ice water immersion, packing with ice, refrigeration, and storage. Upon arrival, the broccoli is inspected according to quality standards, and any substandard items—such as those with pests, disease, or damage—are rejected. The broccoli should be placed in clean plastic baskets and transported in odor-free vehicles. Once accepted, it is immediately pre-cooled and stored at 0–2°C.
During the trimming process, a stainless steel knife is used to cut the head cleanly, ensuring the cut is flat and not slanted. Any damaged or unqualified pieces are removed, and care is taken to avoid damaging the flower stalks. There are different specifications depending on customer requirements:
- A: Bright green, 11–13 cm in diameter, 14 cm in height, 38 per carton, all branches and leaves removed.
- B: Bright green, 12–13.5 cm in diameter, 14 cm in height, 30 per carton, with some branches and leaves left, slightly higher than the buds.
- C: Bright green, 12–13.5 cm in diameter, 19 cm in height, 24 per carton, with leaves and branches 2 cm above the buds.
After processing, the broccoli is immersed in ice water, then packed in plastic boxes. Each box is handled gently to prevent bud damage, and the date, specifications, and packing group are clearly marked. Ice chips are added to each box, filling gaps and covering the surface. The boxes are then sent to cold storage, where the temperature is maintained at around 0°C for more than 24 hours. The stem temperature should reach about 2°C for optimal storage, allowing for up to one month of shelf life.
When shipping, additional ice is added to the boxes, and products with the earliest storage dates are shipped first to ensure quality. Loading time should not exceed 2.5 hours, and the freezer temperature should remain between 0–1°C. Proper packing and handling are essential to preserve the freshness and appearance of the broccoli throughout the supply chain.
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