Temperature requirements The temperature requirements for holding vegetables in storage or transit, the average freezing points, and the suggested relative humidities.(1) ---------------------------------------------------------- Recommended Max. Amount Recommended Relative of Time to Temperature Humidity be Held Vegetables (øF) (%) (Weeks) ---------------------------------------------------------- Asparagus 32 90-95 1-2 Bean 45-50 85-90 1-2 Bean, lima, unshelled 32 90-95 2 Beet, topped(3) 32 90-95 7-8 Broccoli 32 90-95 1-2 Brussels sprouts 32 90-95 4 Cabbage 32 90-95 12-16 Carrot, topped(3) 32 90-95 16-20 Cauliflower 32 90-95 3-4 Chinese cabbag(4) 32 90-95 8-12 Corn 32 90-95 1/2-1 Cucumber 50-55 90-95 2-4 Eggplant 50-55 85-90 1-2 Greens and Salads(5) 32 90-95 Kohlrabi 32 90-95 4-8 Lettuce, head 32 90-95 2-4 Melon - Casaba 50-55 85-90 4-8 Crenshaw and Persian 45-50 85-90 1-2 Honey Dew 50-55 85-90 2-4 Muskmelon 45-50 85-90 1-2 Okra 45-50 85-90 1-2 Onion, dry 32 70-75 28 Parsnip, topped(3) 32 90-95 24-26 Pea 32 85-90 1-2 Pepper, sweet 45-50 85-90 1-2 Potato(6) 38-40 85-90 24-26 Pumpkin 50-55 70-75 12-26 Radish, spring, bunched 32 90-95 1-2 Radish, winter 32 90-95 8-16 Rhubarb 32 90-95 1-2 Rutabaga, topped(3) 32 90-95 8-16 Spinach 32 90-95 1-2 Squash, summer 45-50 85-95 1/2-1 Squash, winter(7) 50-55 70-75 24-26 Tomato, mature green 55-60 85-90 1-2 Tomato, ripe 45-55 85-90 1-2 Turnip, topped(3) 32 90-95 16-22 Watermelon 50-55 85-90 1-4 ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 Based on U.S.D.A. Handbook 66,1954. 2 The ranges in the relative humidity of the storage room are offered only as a guide. The effectiveness of these on the water loss from the products will depend on temper- ature, air movement, method of stacking, and the type of packaging, including liners, icing, and wrapping. 3 When root crops are marketed in bunches with tops attached, the holding temperatures should be the same as those indicated for the topped product, but the holding period can be only 10 to 14 days (or less). 4 Early cabbage can be held in good condition for 3/4 to 1-1/2 months. 5 Chard, collar, dandelion, green onions, leaf lettuce, mustard, parsley, turnip tops, and watercress. The storage life varies with the green but is at best only about a week. 6 Potatoes held for chipping should be at 50ø to 60øF. Those stored below 50øF will need to be at higher temperatures before chipping. 7 Winter squash should be cured prior to storage, to provide a protection against disease organisms during storage. To cure, hold for 10 days with artificial heat at 80-85oF with a RH of 80%. ---------------------------------------------------------- tenzicut