Modern refrigeration units have long ceased to be just sealed boxes with a compressor, but have turned into complex climate systems for preserving the quality of food. One of these advanced options, which is often found in descriptions of models in the mid-range and premium segment, is the function Vitamin Plus (or Vitamin Plus). Consumers often wonder: is this really a marketing ploy or is the technology actually extending the life of the vitamins in fruits and vegetables? Anyone planning to purchase new equipment needs to understand this.
The technology is based on precise regulation of the microclimate in special storage areas. Conventional refrigeration often results in food losing moisture or, conversely, spoiling due to condensation. The system Vitamin Plus is designed to solve this problem by creating ideal conditions for biologically active substances. Understanding the operating principle will help you set up the device correctly and avoid common mistakes during operation.
In this article we will take a detailed look at exactly how this system works, what temperature and humidity conditions it supports, and whether it is worth paying attention to when choosing a refrigerator. We will analyze the technical nuances that are hidden from the user's eyes, but directly affect the freshness of your table.
The principle of operation of the vitamin preservation system
The function Vitamin Plus is based on creating a specific temperature regime, which is slightly different from the standard cooling of the main chamber. As a rule, we are talking about maintaining the temperature in the range from 0 to +3 degrees Celsius in a separate insulated compartment or box. These are the parameters that are considered optimal for slowing down the oxidation processes that destroy vitamin C and other beneficial microelements in plant foods.
The key element here is not only cold, but also moisture management. Under normal conditions, food in the refrigerator “breathes”, releasing moisture, which leads to wilting. Technology Vitamin Plus often involves the use of special dampers or membranes that regulate the flow of cold air. This prevents the products from drying out and the formation of excess condensation, which contributes to rotting.
It is important to note that the efficiency of the system directly depends on the tightness of the compartment. If you store products in open plastic bags or without packaging at all, the efficiency Vitamin Plus reduces as the local microclimate is disrupted. The system is designed to create a stable environment inside the box that does not depend on frequent openings of the main door of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the mode Vitamin Plus with the usual “zero zone” for meat. Meat products require lower humidity, while vegetables and fruits, where the vitamin complex is preserved, require high humidity (up to 90-95%).
Technical features and mode control
Implementation of the function may vary depending on the brand and model of the refrigerator. In some devices, for example, in line LG or Samsung, this is a separate box with its own shutter system Damp-O-Matic or analogues. In other models, control is carried out through an electronic panel, where the user can manually select the humidity level or activate an enhanced cooling mode.
Let's consider the main technical parameters that are usually regulated within this technology:
- 🌡️ Temperature accuracy: Sensors control heating with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees, which is critical for stopping fermentation.
- 💧 Humidity regulator: Mechanical or electronic damper that changes the permeability to air masses inside the container.
- ❄️ Intensive cooling: Short-term temperature reduction for quick “shock” preservation of freshness after loading products.
The user interface can be either fully automatic or require manual configuration. In advanced models with the function Smart Diagnosis the refrigerator itself analyzes how many products are in the drawer and selects the optimal operating algorithm for the compressor and fans. However, in most cases, a physical slider on the end of the drawer or a button on the display is responsible for activating the mode.
It is worth considering that activating the mode Vitamin Plus may slightly increase the power consumption of the device, since more accurate and constant operation of the cooling system is required. However, modern inverter compressors reduce this consumption to a minimum, making the technology economically feasible.
Influence on the shelf life of various products
The use of special storage modes can significantly extend the shelf life of perishable products. If in a regular chamber greens can wither after 2-3 days, then in the zone Vitamin Plus it retains turgor and color for up to 7-10 days. This is achieved by suppressing the activity of bacteria and slowing down chemical decay reactions.
Different groups of products react to the regime differently. Below is a table showing the approximate increase in shelf life when using the technology:
| Product type | Standard storage (days) | Vitamin Plus mode (days) | Storability of vitamins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf greens | 2-3 | 7-9 | High |
| Berries (strawberries, raspberries) | 1-2 | 4-5 | Average |
| Tomatoes and cucumbers | 4-5 | 8-10 | High |
| Citrus fruits | 10-12 | 15-20 | Very high |
Berries and soft fruits deserve special attention. For them, not only the temperature is critical, but also the lack of direct contact with icy air, which burns away moisture. The system Vitamin Plus provides gentle cooling by flowing air currents around the products, which prevents the formation of an ice crust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store exotic fruits that require room temperature (bananas, mangoes, papaya) in this mode. Low temperatures can cause “cold burn”, and the fruits will turn black even without signs of rotting. Vitamin Plus exotic fruits that require room temperature (bananas, mangoes, papaya). Low temperatures can cause “cold burn” and the fruit will turn black even without signs of rotting.
Comparison with conventional freshness zones
Often consumers confuse the function Vitamin Plus with the usual "freshness zone" (Fresh Zone). Although the goals are similar, the technical implementation and results may differ. A conventional fresh zone is often simply an insulated box, the temperature in which is slightly higher than in the main chamber, but without active humidity control.
The technology Vitamin Plus goes further, offering active control of environmental parameters. If in a simple box the humidity depends only on the amount of food stuffed in and how rarely the door is opened, then in an advanced system it is regulated artificially. This is especially important for refrigerators with a No Frostsystem, where the air is very dry.
Here are the key differences that are worth considering:
- 🔍 Control: Vitamin Plus involves active monitoring, the usual zone is passive storage.
- 🌬️ Circulation: In advanced systems, air does not blow directly onto the products, but circulates around the compartment.
- 🛡️ Protection: Special coatings on drawers with silver ions often come complete with the Vitamin Plus function for antibacterial protection.
Why do vegetables dry faster in conventional refrigerators?
In standard models with the No Frost system, dry cold air constantly circulates through the chamber, drawing moisture from the surface of vegetables. Without a special sealed zone with a humidity regulator, this process is irreversible.
Setup and maintenance of the Vitamin Plus compartment
For correct operation of the system, you must correctly configure the device immediately after purchase. Typically there is a regulator located on the front of the drawer or inside it. It may be designated Min/Max (humidity) or Veg/Fruit. For leafy greens and vegetables, set the humidity to maximum by closing the damper.
Regular maintenance is also important. Since the area Vitamin Plus maintains high humidity, condensation or mold can form there more quickly if you do not maintain cleanliness. It is recommended to wipe the inside walls of the drawer once a month with a weak soda solution or a special product for refrigerators.
The care procedure is as follows:
☑️ Monthly care of the freshness zone
Do not forget to check the drainage holes if they are provided for in the design of your model. Their clogging can lead to the accumulation of water at the bottom of the box, which completely negates the benefits of the technology and leads to spoilage of products.
Economic feasibility and choice of model
Is it worth overpaying for the presence of a function Vitamin Plus? If you buy food in large quantities once a week and store a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs - definitely yes. The difference in the amount of spoiled food thrown away will quickly pay for the difference in the price of the refrigerator.
However, if your diet consists mainly of frozen semi-finished products, meat and you buy fresh food every 1-2 days in small quantities, the overpayment may not be justified. In this case, high-quality main cooling is sufficient.
When choosing a model, pay attention to real reviews about the operation of the system. Some budget implementations Vitamin Plus are just a marketing name for a regular plastic box. This technology involves a complex system of air ducts and sensors.
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and names of functions may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model and the region of sales. Always check the technical documentation of a specific device in the manufacturer's official catalog before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to freeze food in Vitamin Plus mode?
No, absolutely it is impossible. The temperature in this compartment is above freezing (usually around 0...+3°C). An attempt to freeze food will damage the compressor, since the sensors will indicate insufficient cooling, and the motor will work without stopping.
Why does a lot of condensation form in the Vitamin Plus drawer?
This is a normal phenomenon in high humidity. However, if there is too much moisture (water standing at the bottom), check whether the humidity damper is closed too tightly for the current products, or whether you have loaded warm products that gave a sharp temperature difference.
Does filling the drawer affect the operation of the system?
Yes, it does. The system Vitamin Plus is most effective when the box is at least half full. The products themselves serve as cold and moisture accumulators. In an empty box, the temperature may fluctuate more when the door is opened.
Do you need to disable the function in the summer?
No, you do not need to disable the function. On the contrary, in the hot season, when vegetables and fruits deteriorate faster during transportation and storage, the mode of preserving vitamins is most relevant. The main thing is that the refrigerator should be in a ventilated place away from direct sunlight.