Question

Hypobaric storage represents storage at __________
(A). Low pressure
(B). High pressure
(C). Low pressure and high humidity
(D). Low pressure and low humidity
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. (A) and (B) only.
• B. (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Break down the word: \textbf{Hypo} = Low, \textbf{Baric} = Pressure. So, it's low-pressure storage. Then, ask yourself: what would happen to a fruit at low pressure? It would dry out. So, you must add humidity to prevent that. This logic leads you to "Low pressure and high humidity."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
Hypobaric storage extends the shelf life of perishables, particularly fresh produce, using a modified atmosphere. The name indicates its function: "hypo-" signifies low, and "-baric" refers to pressure.
Step 3: Detailed Breakdown:
- (A) Low Pressure: Hypobaric storage relies on maintaining sub-atmospheric pressure within a chamber. This reduces oxygen partial pressure, slowing respiration and aerobic spoilage. It also facilitates ethylene removal, a ripening agent.
- Low pressure environments create a high water vapor pressure difference, potentially causing dehydration and shriveling.
- To counteract dehydration, the chamber atmosphere requires very high relative humidity (typically >90%).
- Thus, a complete description of hypobaric storage is (C) Low pressure and high humidity. This combination retards ripening and decay while preventing water loss.
- High pressure (B) is used in other preservation methods (e.g., HPP), not hypobaric storage. Low pressure with low humidity (D) results in dehydration, not preservation, of fresh produce.
Step 4: Conclusion:
Hypobaric storage specifically employs low pressure combined with high humidity. Therefore, option (C) provides the most accurate and complete description, making option (B) from the final choices the correct answer.