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A Systems Approach to the Evaluation of Changes in Quality During Postharvest Handling of Southern Peas
Author(s) -
SHEWFELT R. L.,
PRUSSIA S. E.,
HURST W.C.,
JORDAN J. L.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2621.1985.tb13793.x
Subject(s) - postharvest , maturity (psychological) , quality (philosophy) , horticulture , agricultural engineering , food science , environmental science , biology , engineering , psychology , developmental psychology , philosophy , epistemology
A systems approach was used to identify the step(s) which result in the greatest loss of quality during postharvest handling of southern peas. A maturity index was used to separate effects of handling and maturity on quality loss. In‐field holding of the peas during truck loading is the most critical step in postharvest quality of southern peas. Attempts to control quality during transit from field to processing plant will be ineffective if proper control does not start during loading. Immature peas are more susceptible to loss of green color while more mature peas accumulate more lactic acid during handling. Use of a systems approach has ready applicability to the study of handling of fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products.