Information
Optimal cooling means better quality and shelf-life
As a premium product, asparagus must be deliciously fresh and tender when it reaches the consumer. The producer must therefore ensure optimal cooling to guarantee its flavor, shelf life, and quality. This process begins in the harvest field, continues during transport and storage, and ends with the sale in retail outlets.
The MAJA Flake Ice and MAJA Nugget Ice are ideally suited for every step of asparagus cooling, keeping its delicate flavor and texture from harvest to sale. Marel ice-makers are simple to use for a range of applications, such as storing asparagus on an attractive bed of ice and producing ice water to blast-chill the asparagus, which extends its shelf life. They make ice that does not clump—it remains loose and easy to dose.
Cools asparagus quickly
Young asparagus shoots are put into basins with ice water immediately after harvesting. Ice flakes and nuggets have a large surface area, which facilitates energy exchange and brings the water to the right temperature very quickly. After about 20 minutes, the asparagus stalks reach an ideal core temperature of about 2°C, which keeps them tender even in warm ambient conditions.
The combination of low temperatures and constant moisture means that the asparagus does not dry out or discolor and keeps longer than with conventional cooling methods, such as blast chillers or cold rooms. MAJA ice-makers also ensures ideal ambient conditions during transport to wholesale markets and retail stores. At every step, the asparagus is kept optimally fresh and delicious.
Saves energy and costs
Using the MAJA Flake Ice or Nugget Ice eliminates the need for other more costly and energy-consuming cooling methods or irrigation systems. MAJA ice-makers are available in a variety of capacities, from 85 to 12,000 kg ice output per 24 hours, and can be paired with a range of accessories such as ice transport carts and special storage silos.
