Author
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Wang, Chien |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Leafy, floral and succulent vegetables are highly perishable. They deteriorate rapidly after harvest. It is a challenge to maintain their postharvest quality and prolong their storage and shelf life. Leafy vegetables are characterized by a large surface-to-volume ratio. Because of this feature, they usually have high rates of respiration and transpiration. Thus, they lose water easily and are highly subject to shriveling and wilting. Succulent crops and floral vegetables are greatly susceptible to the invasion of microorganisms which cause decay rapidly under warm conditions. Several postharvest techniques which can improve quality and delay senescence of these crops are described in this chapter. These techniques include precooling, refrigeration, film packaging, ethylene absorption, controlled atmosphere storage, and chemical treatments. Information presented in this paper is useful to packers and shippers, wholesaler, and storage operators. Technical Abstract: Vegetable crops whose edible portion consists of leaves, shoots, buds, or floral organs are include in this review chapter. Information on quality criteria, precooling method, and packaging is provided. Recommendations for optimal storage with respect to temperature, humidity, atmosphere and other factors for these vegetables are discussed. Major market diseases affecting these commodities are listed. In general, low temperature storage is considered to be the most effective method for maintaining the quality of vegetables after harvest. Some vegetables respond favorably to atmospheric modification including low O2 and/or high CO2. In these cases, a combination of low temperature and modified or controlled atmosphere can further improve postharvest quality of these commodities. The specific storage requirements are different for various commodities. This chapter reviewed and summarized the optimal storage conditions for each commodity. |
