Postharvest Handling: A Systems Approach

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 more
• Addresses challenges of traceability and sustainability
• Presents testing and measurement techniques and applications
• Provides technological tools to create crop value and improve both food safety and food quality

Wojciech J. Florkowski has over 18 years of experience in research, project management, and training. His areas of specialization and expertise include agricultural economics and international business with emphasis on marketing and consumer studies, technology transfer and assessment, environmental policy analysis, and research policy. He is the author of over 200 publications on a variety of economic, marketing, consumer and policy issues, including the problems of agricultural productivity, policy, consumer willingness-to-pay and price behavior. He co-edited “Postharvest Handling: A Systems Approach” (3rd edition)

Nigel Banks worked as a Professor of Postharvest Technology at Massey University and at ZESPRI as General Manager for Innovation, where he learned branding, growers, consumers, ways to connect them and the added value of an outstanding team. Through Postharvest.Co, Nigel is exploring new ways to connect postharvesters, art, online tools and learning with an eye to the increasingly pressing needs of our future world.

Robert L Shewfelt is Professor Emeritus of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia. He advises more than 50 students and has taught 11 different courses in the past two years ranging from Freshman Seminars in Chocolate Science and Coffee Technology to graduate-level courses in Food Research & the Scientific Method. Dr. Shewfelt was also the 2006 recipient of the Cruess Award for Excellence in Teaching of IFT. He co-edited “Postharvest Handling: A Systems Approach” (3rd edition)