Postharvest Biology and Technology of Berries

Abstract

The common term ‘berry fruit’ includes different fruits, such as blueberry, currant, gooseberry, raspberry, and blackberry. These fruits are the richest sources of natural antioxidants. Almost all berries are non-climacteric and are considered highly perishable, being susceptible to mechanical injury during transportation, picking, and storage. The postharvest life of berries is limited to a few days and only a small percentage of these fruits can be consumed fresh. In order to minimize undesirable changes in quality attributes during the postharvest period, a series of techniques to extend the shelf life of perishable fruit can be adopted. Postharvest technology comprises different methods of harvesting, packaging, rapid cooling, storage under refrigeration, as well as modified and controlled atmospheres, and transportation under controlled conditions. This chapter will deal with various aspects of berries, viz., fruit maturation, ripening, postharvest biological factors, and causes of postharvest losses and different postharvest techniques to extend the postharvest shelf life.