There is a wide schism between the sleek mechanical harvesting machines that briskly traverse California’s fertile croplands versus the field worker with a machete and head-basket, or possibly a donkey laden with woven baskets, that is still most commonly found in many nations.

Produce loss continues to be a significant problem.  Worldwide, it is estimated that as much as one-third of the produce grown is never consumed by humans  (Kader, 2005).  Many logistical challenges contribute to this loss, including: ineffective or absent cooling systems, slow and rough transportation, physical damage from rough handling, and poor sanitation conditions.

In...

This 16 page booklet offers information that will help consumers pick good-quality, healthy fruits and vegetables that are a vital part of one's daily diet.  Information on how to handle those fresh fruits and vegetables once you get them home, and also how growing and harvesting factors affect quality is also included.  There are tables that show the number of steps between the field and your table, and also show which items...

Dr. Diane Barrett, one of the Postharvest Technology Center's Specialists, held a four day course on low acid and acidified food processing -- the Better Process Control School (BPCS) -- which was held February 9-12, 2010.

One-hundred-and-three food processing industry attendees successfully passed this Food & Drug...