Bolaike Completes Freeze-Drying Trial for Early-Ripening Xinjiang Apples, Preservation Technology Addresses Challenge of Moving Fresh Fruit Out of Xinjiang

Bolaike Completes Freeze-Drying Trial for Early-Ripening Xinjiang Apples, Preservation Technology Addresses Challenge of Moving Fresh Fruit Out of Xinjiang

Recently, Jiangsu Bolaike received samples of early-ripening apples sent by growers in Xinjiang and completed a freeze-drying trial. This variety ripens each year between July and August, with a tasting window of about one month, leaving a short sales window. In 2025, apple production across the Xinjiang region reached 2.4535 million tons, but due to limited logistics coverage and a narrow range of sales channels, the cost of shipping fruit out of Xinjiang can exceed the value of the fruit itself, leaving large quantities of fresh fruit at risk of going unsold and wasted.

Freeze-Drying as a Solution

Freeze-drying technology offers a way to address this challenge. Apples processed with Bolaike's equipment retain over 90% of their nutritional and flavor compounds, can be stored at room temperature for more than two years without a cold chain, and weigh considerably less, which helps lower transportation costs. Apples have a high water content, and the speed of freezing has a direct effect on the quality of the finished product — if freezing is too slow, the cell structure is damaged by ice crystals, leaving the finished product soft and reducing its appearance.

Equipment Performance

The shelf temperature of Bolaike's medium-sized freeze-drying equipment can reach -35°C, lower than the eutectic point of apples at -24°C, helping the material freeze through quickly.

Key Features

1. The equipment is fitted with double-layer radiation plates; the upper cold circuit uses direct-contact cooling, so apple slices freeze quickly once placed on the shelf, helping to preserve nutritional and flavor components.
2. After freeze-drying, the apple slices have a full form and bright color, with crispness and fresh-fruit flavor retained.
3. The equipment is fitted with a domestic first-tier brand vacuum pump; vacuum levels drop quickly and remain stable, so apple slices do not oxidize or discolor during sublimation.
4. The integrated chamber structure takes up less floor space, making it easier to arrange within a workshop, and can be put into production once connected to water and electricity.

Collaboration Opportunities

As a globally recognized manufacturer of industrial freeze-drying equipment, Bolaike has built up experience in the field of fruit freeze-drying. Companies with needs for apple or other fruit freeze-drying equipment are welcome to send samples for freeze-drying trials, or to consult about cooperation through official channels.