This newly revised fourth edition of Postharvest Handling brings new and updated chapters with new knowledge and applications from postharvest research. The revised edition brings back the aspects of preharvest conditions and their effects on postharvest quality and features new chapters on the increasingly important role of transportation and logistics. It emphasizes consumers and systems thinking for postharvest chains for fresh produce. This book also explores current challenges-including oversupply, waste, food safety, lack of resources, sustainability - and best practices for systems to thrive in spite of these challenges. This unique resource provides an overview of postharvest systems and their role in food value chains and offers essential tools to monitor and control the handling process. Written by a team of experts in Postharvest Systems and Handling, this book continues to be the most practical and up-to-date resource for postharvest physiologists and technologists across the disciplines of agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, food science, and horticulture along with businesses handling fresh or minimally processed products.

"Postharvest Handling, Third Edition" takes a global perspective in offering a system of measuring, monitoring, and managing produce processing to improve food quality, minimize food waste, reduce risks and uncertainties, and maximize time and resources. This unique resource provides an overview of the postharvest system and its role in the food value chain, and offers essential tools to monitor and control the handling process. It shows how to predict and combat unexpected events (e.g., spoilage), and manage the food quality and safety within a facility. Proven research methods and applications from various viewpoints are available to help you maintain high-quality produce and achieve the highest yields possible. The book also explores current challenges-including oversupply, waste, food safety, lack of resources, sustainability-and best practices for production to thrive in spite of these challenges.
Presents current research methods and applications in temperature control and heat treatments to help minimize moisture content, to prevent spoilage and mold, and moreAddresses challenges of traceability and sustainabilityPresents testing and measurement techniques and applicationsProvides technological tools to create crop value and improve both food safety and food quality