Articles
How Accurate Are Gas Readings in Humid Environments?
Gas readings in humid environments can be highly accurate, but only when the analyzer, sampling method, and operating conditions match the job. In postharvest storage, modified atmosphere packaging, ripening rooms, and cold chain inspections, humidity is not a side issue. It is part of the atmosphere being measured. Water vapor can affect sensors, tubing, filters,… Continue reading…
Additional reading
Why Are My Readings Drifting During Long Storage Studies?
Gas analyzer drift is one of those problems that rarely shows up during a quick spot check, but it can become obvious during a long storage study. A reading that looked stable on day one may slowly move away from the expected trend after days or weeks of monitoring. In postharvest research, controlled atmosphere storage,… Continue reading…
Controlled Atmosphere Facilities: What Are the Different Types?
Different Types of Controlled Atmosphere Facilities for Fresh Produce Controlled atmosphere (CA) facilities alter temperature, relative humidity, and the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. CA works by slowing biological activity such as respiration, transpiration, ripening, and senescence, and by limiting physiological disorders, insect damage, and disease. Commercial CA types available are standard, static,… Continue reading…
What is Third-Party Certification for Fresh Produce Quality, and Who Are the Certifiers?
Third-party certification (TCP) is necessary to regulate compliance with fresh produce standards by suppliers, growers, packers, and retailers. Most TCP is conducted by private organizations that are fast, flexible, and use many standard frameworks- private and public. Objective and quantifiable data on quality parameters can make the certification process transparent, reliable, and actionable. Earlier, food… Continue reading…
What Are Fruit Ripening Systems? Types, Methods, and How They Work
Artificial ripening systems are necessary for providing evenly ripened, high-quality fresh produce year-round. The ripening agent used is usually ethylene, but others like gibberellins, acetylene, ethephon, and calcium carbide are also applied. Simple ripening systems depend on natural internal enzymatic processes and lack environmental control. Advanced ripening systems use artificial agents and improve efficiency by… Continue reading…
What Are Fresh Produce Standards? International Food Quality Standards Explained
The Codex Alimentarius, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is the primary standard for fresh produce used voluntarily by other international organizations and national governments. Other prominent international organizations that establish and promote fresh produce quality standards include the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the… Continue reading…
What Is Crop Phenotyping and Why Is It Essential for Modern Crop Breeding?
Genetic diversity in wild relatives of crops can provide crucial inputs to improve food production. High-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) methods can improve the efficiency of crop breeding research and crop monitoring in precision agriculture. Portable quality meters can be integrated into HTPP systems for biochemical and sensory fruit quality parameter phenotyping Crop phenotyping is the… Continue reading…
