Practical Manual of Horticulture Crops: Vol.02 : Processing and Postharvest Technologies

The book under consideration comprises a total of 15 chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of production technologies for horticultural crops. The first chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to the Indian processing industry, along with an overview of the status of horticultural crops in the country. Additionally, it highlights the prospects for the growth of the processing industry. The second chapter delves into the biology of horticultural crops, concentrating on the biochemical and physiological changes associated with these commodities. The third chapter discusses maturity indices and harvesting practices for horticultural crops, covering concepts related to the life of a horticultural produce, maturity indices of fruits, vegetables, and floral crops, and harvesting practices. Chapters four through seven focus on various aspects of preparing horticultural produce for market and transportation, grading and packing of horticultural produce, post-harvest problems, and common disorders of horticultural crops. The eighth chapter deals with quality evaluation criteria for horticultural crops, while the ninth chapter is centered on browning reactions. Chapters ten through twelve describe carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils in the context of food. Chapter thirteen is exclusively devoted to post-harvest handling, storage, and processing of vegetables, and chapter fourteen covers the evaluation of food. The final chapter focuses on practical chemistry applications in postharvest technology. It is essential to acknowledge that no book can be perfect, and the authors would appreciate any comments or suggestions for further improvement from readers.