Drawing on the expertise of the University of California's Postharvest Technology Center, this publication discusses commercial uses of modified- or controlled-atmosphere technology which can be used during transport, temporary storage, or long-term storage of horticultural commodities destined for the fresh market or processing. In modified atmospheres and controlled atmospheres, gases are removed or added to create an atmospheric composition around a commodity that is different from that of air. Modified- or controlled-atmosphere technology can be used during transport, temporary storage, or long-term storage of horticultural commodities destined for the fresh market or processing. Chapter 1 discusses how modified- or controlled-atmosphere technology can be used during transport, temporary storage, or long-term storage of horticultural commodities destined for the fresh market or processing. Chapter 2 discusses the ways biologically important gases are sampled, analyzed, and mixed. Since the rate of respiration of plant tissue is tightly coupled to its overall metabolic rate-and often inversely proportional to shelf life-the measurement and control of respiration are of vital interest in devising strategies to maintain quality after harvest. Chapter 3 discusses the role of Ethylene in the postharvest life of many horticultural crops. Sometimes this role is beneficial (promoting faster and more uniform ripening before retail distribution) and sometimes it is deleterious (speeding senescence and reducing shelf life). This chapter addresses the properties of this gas and ways to both harness its beneficial effects and avoid undesirable results during the postharvest handling of perishable commodities.

The ultimate goal of crop production is to provide quality produce to consumers at reasonable rates. Most fresh produce is highly perishable, and postharvest losses are significant under the present methods of management in many countries. However, significant achievements have been made during the last few years to curtail postharvest losses in fr

This book is an informative introduction to the post-harvest technology of horticultural crops, and their conservation and management. The different post-harvest handling operations including storage aspects are also covered. Innovative processing technologies like high-pressure processing, irradiation, cold plasma technique and ohmic heating are also discussed in the book.

Postharvest Technology of Perishable Horticultural Commodities describes all the postharvest techniques and technologies available to handle perishable horticultural food commodities. It includes basic concepts and important new advances in the subject. Adopting a thematic style, chapters are organized by type of treatment, with sections devoted to postharvest risk factors and their amelioration. Written by experts from around the world, the book provides core insights into identifying and utilizing appropriate postharvest options for maximum results. Presents the most recent developments in processing technologies in a single volume Includes a wide range of perishable products, thus allowing for translational insight Appropriate for students and professionals Written by experts as a reference resource

About one-third of fresh produce harvested worldwide is lost at various points in the distribution system between production and consumption. While it is impossible and uneconomical to eliminate these losses completely, it is possible to reduce them by at least half and increase food availability. The first chapter of this volume describes both proper temperature management practices for perishable commodities and the commercially used methods for cooling fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers. It is written for a person who is initially investigating produce cooling, a professional designer who needs design details, and an operator who wants a better understanding of practical operation guidelines. The chapter contains a complete discussion of design for forced-air coolers, hydrocoolers, and vacuum coolers-the most commonly used cooling methods that people with a good background in industrial refrigeration can design. The second chapter is an overview of cold storage for perishables It describes the unique issues associated with designing a cold storage for perishables. Worker safety and food safety for cooling and storage systems have become important issues for the industry, and they are discussed in chapters 3 and 4. The volume concludes with chapter 5, which describes the effects of air temperature and humidity on postharvest quality and temperature and humidity measurement methods.

Fruits and vegetables are very important food commodities. For self-sufficiency and also for processing, export and to meet additional requirements, a lot of emphasis need to be given to reduce post-harvest losses, besides increasing production and productivity of horticultural produces. Processing plays an important role in conservation and effective utilisation of these perishable commodities. Many recent innovations in postharvest technology in have been in response to the desire to avoid the use of costly labor and the desire for cosmetically "perfect" produce. These methods may not be sustainable over the long term, due to socioeconomic, cultural and/or environmental concerns. For example, the use of postharvest pesticides may reduce the incidence of surface defects but can be costly both in terms of money and environmental consequences. In addition, the growing demand for organically produced fruits and vegetables offers new opportunities for small-scale producers and marketers. Local conditions for small-scale handlers may include labor surpluses, lack of credit for investments in postharvest technology, unreliable electric power supply, lack of transport options, storage facilities and/or packaging materials, as well as a host of other constraints. This book will be of immense valuable for research professionals, quality control personnel and postharvest biology students anyone involved in the technology for handling and storing fresh fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.