Zero Energy Overwinter Storage of Fresh Apples in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh

Geographical and economic constraints limit the availability of fresh fruits and vegetable during winter months in trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, thus necessitating the need to develop regionally suited cost-effective passive storage techniques. Freshly harvested fruits of three local (Thra, Mongol, Karkechu) and two exotic (Royal Delicious, Golden Delicious) cultivars, individually wrapped in cling foil and newspaper, were stored in an underground cellar (-2.0 to 15.6 °C, 44.2 to 88.1% RH). Fruit quality traits and sensory evaluation were determined at 30 days interval from date of storage. Thra and Mongol do not store well and were not suitable for consumption after 60 days of storage. Fruits wrapped in cling foil stored much better as compared to newspaper-wrapped fruits. The study demonstrated that fruits of Royal Delicious and Karkechu can be stored for 150 days during winter seasons inside the underground cellars scoring the highest hedonic score for overall appreciation (7.2±0.8 and 7.1±1.3, respectively). The method described is easy, cost-effective, and ca n be a satisfactory alternative to refrigerated cold storage in trans-Himalayan region with severewinters.