ISHS Acta Horticulturae 93: Symposium on Quality of Vegetables
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF TOMATOES DURING DISTRIBUTION |
| Authors: | S. Heinonen, A. Mustranta, L. Alanen |
| Abstract:
The quality stability of several tomato varieties was investigated by following colour development, taste, firmness and changes in the ratio of sugars to total acidity. Environmental storage conditions examined included temperature, packaging and mechanical stress. The use of suitable packaging enabled the slowing of colour development at low storage temperatures. High temperature at the beginning of distribution chain increased the rate of ripening, resulting in taste deterioration. Different varieties showed differing susceptibility to mechanical stress. The variety 'Virosa' with good overall properties, was particularly susceptible to mechanical damage. The storage of this variety was improved considerably when the tomatoes were distributed in individual retail packages within transport crates. | |
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