Let’s face it—nothing undoes a good harvest faster than excess moisture. Moisture creeps in through condensation, hides in poorly ventilated spaces, and thrives in temperature swings. That’s why understanding how to keep things dry, cool, and moving is essential in post-harvest handling.
Whether you’re packing crates of pears or loading bins of onions, it’s important to know all about preventing moisture buildup in produce storage so you can keep your hard work market-ready.
Create a Space That Breathes
If your storage space feels like a sauna, odds are your produce is in trouble. A good post-harvest setup starts with proper airflow. Ventilation prevents humidity from accumulating in crates and bins. Fans and cross-breezes help, especially when stacked produce starts generating its own heat.
In tighter setups, a dehumidifier is beneficial, especially during damp seasons. Insulated containers and shelving can also help stabilize temps and prevent condensation. You can also keep things dry by avoiding direct placement on concrete, which can pull moisture up from the ground. Elevate crops where you can and use slatted crates or vented bins to help airflow do its job.
Bag It Right
When it’s time to head to market or distribute your harvest, your packaging can determine the freshness of your produce. Mesh produce bags keep things breathable, reducing the chance of spoilage from trapped moisture. These bags are ideal for that crucial window between storage and sale, keeping produce ventilated without drying it out.
Whether you’re bagging onions, apples, or even citrus, there’s a mesh bag size and style fit for the job. For larger harvests or frequent market days, buying mesh produce bags wholesale is a smart move, offering both convenience and cost savings.
Address the Needs of Different Crops
Not all produce handles moisture the same. Potatoes prefer dark, dry spaces, while leafy greens require cooler temperatures and a touch more humidity, but not so much that condensation forms. Apples and pears prefer cool, circulating air and shouldn’t be stacked too deep.
No matter what you collect, remember to monitor the temperature, let the air flow, and avoid suffocating your harvest.
Protect Your Hard Work
At the end of the day, preventing moisture buildup is about more than freshness; it’s about honoring the time and effort you put into growing. Knowing all about preventing moisture buildup in produce storage means fewer surprises, longer-lasting goods, and a better bottom line.
When it’s time to pack your harvest for market, partner with Globe Bag Company for reliable packaging—including mesh produce bags, boxes, ties, and more—to get your produce to its destination in peak condition.