Abstract: The disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for controlling the ripening of fresh produce, particularly the ripening of fresh fruit such as bananas. The fresh produce is arranged into a palletized load which is inserted into a ripening chamber. The palletized load is arranged into at least two spaced rows, each of said rows including at least two vertically spaced tiers to maximize the total amount of produce to be processed for the given floor space of the ripening chamber. A low pressure plenum is formed in the interstitial space between the at least two rows of palletized produce by sealing the space between the rows and the vertical space between the at least two tiers. A controlled fluid flow is introduced around the palletized produce load. Fluid is exhausted from above the interstitial space to create a low pressure plenum.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the ripening of produce. The apparatus includes a chamber having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls. Positioned in the chamber is a support and position structure to support two rows of palletized produce and to space the palletized produce away from the walls to define a fluid circulation space around the palletized produce. The rows of palletized produce are spaced apart to define an interstitial volume therebetween. Each row of palletized produce includes at least an upper and a lower tier with a vertical spacing therebetween. A flexible sealing strip is affixed to the support and position structure to generally seal the vertical spacing between the tiers from the fluid circulation space.