Author
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Wang, Chien |
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Wang, Shiow |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/4/2004 Publication Date: 9/1/2004 Citation: Wang, C.Y., Wang, S.Y. 2004. Horticultural products: postharvest management and nutrition. Vision of 2050 Agriculture in China. p. 309-319. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: In the past, the agricultural industry has focused on maximizing the quantity of fruits and vegetables produced for commercial markets. However, modern consumers are now interested in optimizing the nutritional composition of foods in order to promote health. Much attention has therefore been placed on the agricultural practices that enhance the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables. Research is in full swing to find the best genotypes, optimum cultural practices, and most desirable postharvest handling techniques to enhance and preserve the nutritional components in fruits and vegetables that are beneficial to our health. This chapter covers the postharvest management of horticultural products to maintain their quality and nutritional values. The chapter also summarizes the antioxidant capacities of various fruits and vegetables, and describes the factors affecting these antioxidant activities. In addition, the relation of phytonutrients to human health and the current and future pre- and post-harvest techniques that will promote and maintain the quality and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables are discussed. This chapter also suggests some strategies for establishing a new research and production paradigm such as improving selection criteria among different horticultural cultivars, improving pre-harvest conditions and post-harvest handling, and using genetic engineering that will enhance nutrient quality. Because of the obvious benefits to human health, this area has been and will continue to be one of the priorities of agricultural research in the future. |
