What is post harvest technology and preservation?

Answer 1

Post-harvest technology involves all treatments or processes that occur from time of harvesting until the foodstuff reaches the final consumer. Efficient techniques for harvesting, conveying/transportation, handling, storage, processing/preservation, packaging, etc are components of the post-harvest chain. Harvesting is normally included as a component of the although post-harvest strictly means 'after harvest' because how produce are harvested have a large bearing on the post-harvest life of the produce. Even in some cases, pre-harvest factors that affect post-harvest life (in terms of quality and losses) of the produce are considered As can be inferred from above, preservation is a part of the post-harvest chain. In fact, preservation of the taste, smell, look and feel of food and preventing spoilage is also an important function of food processing. Preservation is accomplished by inactivating basic natural processes in food: * Enzyme action - all food contains natural enzymes that break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates to facilitate animal and plant growth. Once an animal has been killed or a plant harvested, these enzymes, if left uncontrolled, continue to work, breaking down the food itself and resulting in spoilage. * Microbial action - all food can be attacked by bacteria and fungi that cause food to rot or become mouldy. If permitted to multiply, these microbes can cause spoilage. * Oxidation - many food components can be attacked by oxygen in the air, making them go rancid or resulting in an unpleasant taste. This, too, must be controlled.