Postharvest Management

Postharvest handling is the process of cooling, sorting, packing and cleaning the crop after harvest. It is a stage of crop production in which the crop is removed from the parent plant or is removed from the ground. At this stage, the crop is vulnerable to quality deterioration. Postharvest treatment determines whether a crop is suitable for food processing or for fresh consumption. The targets of postharvest management are to keep the product cool and its moisture content intact. It also strives to prevent physical damage to delay spoilage. Sanitation is also an important aspect of postharvest management. High-speed cooling, refrigerated and atmosphere-controlled environments are used in large operations to prolong freshness. After harvesting, shelf life is dependent on the overall flavor, taste, texture and appearance. Postharvest technology is crucial for stimulating agricultural production, preventing postharvest losses and improving nutrition. This book provides comprehensive insights in the field of postharvest management. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with postharvest management will benefit alike from this book.