Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit a longer storage life primarily because the rate of respiration is decreased. Respiration is a physiological process where fruits break down complex substrates like carbohydrates and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy [2]. This process is highly temperature-dependent; higher temperatures accelerate respiration, leading to rapid ripening, decay, and quality degradation [2]. By maintaining low temperatures in cold storage, the metabolic activity and enzymatic reactions of the fruit are significantly slowed down. This reduction in the respiration rate preserves the fruit's internal energy reserves, such as sugars and organic acids, thereby delaying senescence and extending shelf life [1]. While high humidity and controlled carbon dioxide levels also play roles in preventing water loss and further slowing ripening, the fundamental mechanism of cold storage is the thermal suppression of the respiration rate [2].

Sources

1. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996925017442
2. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Life Processes in Plants > 10.4 Do Plants Respire? > p. 149