Rapid Force Cooling for Fresh Produce and Flowers in Kempton Park
Maintaining the correct temperature after harvest is one of the most important factors in preserving the quality and shelf life of fresh produce and flowers. We now offer professional vacuum cooling (force cooling) services at our premises in Kempton Park, providing growers and suppliers with a fast and efficient way to remove field heat from perishable products.
Our vacuum cooling system is capable of reducing product temperature from +30 degrees Celsius to +2 degrees Celsius in approximately 20 minutes, helping to slow respiration, reduce bacterial growth, and protect product quality from harvest through to delivery.
How Vacuum Cooling Works
Vacuum cooling is a rapid cooling process that removes heat by reducing air pressure rather than relying solely on cold air circulation.
Fresh produce or flowers are placed inside a sealed vacuum chamber. A powerful vacuum pump then removes air from the chamber, lowering the pressure. As pressure drops, water within the product evaporates at a much lower temperature, typically between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius. This evaporation draws heat out of the product, cooling it quickly and evenly throughout.
Unlike conventional cooling methods, vacuum cooling cools the entire product at once, including the core, rather than slowly cooling from the outside in.
Key Benefits of Force Cooling
Vacuum cooling offers several advantages for fresh produce and floriculture operations:
It significantly extends shelf life by reducing respiration rates and slowing microbial activity.
It preserves colour, texture, and visual appeal, preventing wilting and discolouration.
It provides ultra-fast cooling compared to traditional cold rooms or blast chilling.
It ensures uniform temperatures across the product, avoiding warm cores.
These benefits are especially valuable for products that must meet strict quality standards and tight delivery schedules.
Ideal Applications
Our vacuum cooling service is ideal for:
Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and herbs
Freshly picked flowers
Mushrooms and similar delicate produce
Last-picked or late harvest orders
Urgent or short notice deliveries
The system is particularly effective for freshly picked flowers and last-picked orders, where rapid temperature reduction is critical to maintaining quality.
Vacuum Cooler Specifications and Location
Our industrial vacuum cooler has the following specifications:
Dimensions: L9.3 metres x W3.1 metres x H2.6 metres
Weight: 15.5 tons
The unit is designed to handle commercial volumes efficiently.
The service is available at our premises located at:
55, 7th Avenue, Bredell, Kempton Park, 1619
This central location allows easy access for growers, packhouses, and distributors operating in Gauteng and surrounding areas.
Enquire Today
If you need to rapidly force cool fresh produce or flowers from field heat to optimal storage temperature, our vacuum cooling service is ready to support your operation.
Enquire today to secure cooling capacity and ensure your products reach your clients in the best possible condition.