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

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.

Postharvest; Biology; Harvesting; Preparation for fresh market; Packages; Cooling operations; Storage; Modified atmospheres; Ethylene; Disease by handling practices and strategies for control; Insect control; Transportation.

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

Consideration of the interactions between decisions made at one point in the supply chain and its effects on the subsequent stages is the core concept of a systems approach. Postharvest Handling is unique in its application of this systems approach to the handling of fruits and vegetables, exploring multiple aspects of this important process through chapters written by experts from a variety of backgrounds. Newly updated and revised, this second edition includes coverage of the logistics of fresh produce from multiple perspectives, postharvest handing under varying weather conditions, quality control, changes in consumer eating habits and other factors key to successful postharvest handling. The ideal book for understanding the economic as well as physical impacts of postharvest handling decisions. Key Features: *Features contributions from leading experts providing a variety of perspectives *Updated with 12 new chapters *Focuses on application-based information for practical implementation *System approach is unique in the handling of fruits and vegetables

Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Fruits and Vegetables presents an updated, interrelated and sequenced view of the contribution of fruits and vegetables on human health, their aspects of plant metabolism, physical and chemical/compositional changes during the entire fruit development lifecycle, the physiological disorders and biochemical effects of modified/controlled atmospheres, and the biotechnology of horticultural crops. The book is written specifically for those interested in preharvest and postharvest crop science and the impact of physiological and biochemical changes on their roles as functional foods. Deals with the developmental aspects of the lifecycle in whole fruits Describes issues, such as the morphology and anatomy of fruits, beginning with the structural organization of the whole plant and explaining the fruit structure and its botanical classification Addresses biotechnological concepts that control firmness, quality and the nutritional value of fruits

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.