Storage

Storage is the maintenance of commodities, for example fresh or processed foods, under controlled conditions for extended durations while maintaining quality. Undesirable quality changes that may occur during storage include changes in nutrient levels or colour, development of off-flavours, or loss of texture, along with moisture migration and microbial growth. Most foods benefit from storage at a constant, low temperature, in cold or frozen storage, where the rates of most degradative reactions decrease and quality losses are minimized. Matching each product to its optimal temperature, humidity, light, and atmosphere regime is one of the foundations of food quality management.