Development and evaluation of earth air heat exchanger cum evaporative cool system as an energy‐efficient method for storage of tomatoes

Abstract Background The lack of adequate on‐farm storage facilities is one of the leading causes of enormous postharvest losses of fresh commodities, negatively affecting farmers' livelihoods and the sector's economic contribution. The aim of the current study was to develop and evaluate a solar‐powered earth air heat exchanger cum evaporative cooling (EAHE‐EC) system as an energy‐efficient method for the storage of fresh produce for smallholders. Results The postharvest quality parameters of tomatoes stored under ambient storage (AS) and in an EAHE‐EC system were assessed at regular time intervals during storage. These include weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, color, pH, ascorbic acid, lycopene content, total phenolic acid, and antioxidant activity. The average temperature and relative humidity inside the EAHE‐EC system varied from 20.59 to 22.61 °C and 82.60% to 89.43%, respectively, in comparison with AS (26.39–39.21 °C and 22.09–43.58%). Storage methods and time had a significant ( P < 0.05) effect on tomato quality. Based on the retention of the overall quality until the end of the storage period, the shelf life of tomatoes was recorded as 21 days in the EAHE‐EC system, which was 1.5 times more than AS (14 days). Conclusions The extra shelf‐life gained by tomatoes in the EAHE‐EC system may provide a sufficient buffer period for smallholders for retailing and marketing. This suggests that the developed system can maintain postharvest quality and increase the shelf life of tomatoes. It therefore has potential as an energy‐efficient system for the storage of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.