Abstract: Apparatus and the method for directing cool air to stacks of containers holding freshly harvested produce and the like, to remove field heat therefrom. Air is caused to flow in one direction through the containers to cool the produce, then the airflow direction is reversed and the air is caused to flow in the opposite direction. In this way, the produce in the container is uinformly cooled. The apparatus includes a housing having a suction fan for blowing air through an air cooler into a plenum from which the cool air passes through the containers. The direction of airflow is selected by moving damper devices relative to the housing.