ISHS Acta Horticulturae 694: International Symposium on Harnessing the Potential of Horticulture in the Asian-Pacific Region
THE POTENTIAL OF POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGIES TO MAINTAIN QUALITY |
| Authors: | R.E. Paull, N.J. Chen |
| Abstract:
Frequently, technological changes in the handling of fresh tropical and subtropical commodities are slow to be accepted by shippers, wholesalers and retailers. Part of this hesitancy is due to difficulties in determining economic advantage to change and the amount of capital tied up in the current handling system and equipment. These difficulties are due to lack of information on the reason for losses and relative importance of the causes (mechanical, physiological, pathological). The crucial element in postharvest handling is the need to boost and maintain quality and thereby assure maximum storage and shipping life. Innovations in postharvest handling technology have mainly come in the area of quality evaluation. Quality evaluation has increased in importance as consumers are offered a wider range of fresh commodities, often with less seasonality, from worldwide sources. Supply chain logistics, postharvest technology management and diverse sourcing of fruits and vegetables have brought enhanced concern for food safety, another area of technology change. All innovations need to be tailored to the handling system, not the system to the technology. The changes in postharvest handling technology, its application and management are being driven by consumer desires for quality produce. The definition of quality is expanding as consumer concerns include nutritional value and wholesomeness. | |
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