Shelf-life of stored asparagus is strongly related to post-harvest accumulated heat units |
| |
| Authors: | GRAEME A KING KATE G HENDERSON ROSS E LILL |
| |
| Institution: | Horticultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Private Bag, Levin, New Zealand |
| |
| Abstract: | The effect of delay between harvest and hydrocooling, and of regimes of simulated air transport temperatures, on shelf-life of fresh asparagus were quantified. Shelf-life was strongly negatively correlated with the accumulated heat units experienced between harvest and post-transport handling. A 2-h delay in hydrocooling after harvest was similar to a 0.5°C higher temperature during a 2-day transit period in effect on shelf-life. It is essential for maximum shelf-life that asparagus be kept cold from the completion of hydrocooling until sale. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
