Articles
Critical points during handling of white asparagus (Aspargus officinalis L.)
Article number
1223_34
Pages
251 – 256
Language
English
Abstract
White asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is economically the most important vegetable commodity in Germany.
It is a high value product and quality standards and expectations are high.
Harvest and post-harvest handling is labour intensive and sophisticated technology is involved, and results can easily be endangered by weak points in the post-harvest chain.
Therefore we analysed various steps like harvest-techniques, transportation, cleaning and sorting as well as cooling, packaging and storage.
We identified several weak points during each of the links, like compacted, insufficiently prepared soil, too firm thumb-gripping during cutting, improperly adjusted washing machine and reduced gas exchange during submerging spears or gastight packaging use, resulting in tissue damage, discolouration and off odours.
It is a high value product and quality standards and expectations are high.
Harvest and post-harvest handling is labour intensive and sophisticated technology is involved, and results can easily be endangered by weak points in the post-harvest chain.
Therefore we analysed various steps like harvest-techniques, transportation, cleaning and sorting as well as cooling, packaging and storage.
We identified several weak points during each of the links, like compacted, insufficiently prepared soil, too firm thumb-gripping during cutting, improperly adjusted washing machine and reduced gas exchange during submerging spears or gastight packaging use, resulting in tissue damage, discolouration and off odours.
Publication
Authors
B. Brückner, M. Geyer, J. Surdilovic
Keywords
asparagus, post-harvest, handling, mechanical damage, sensory testing
Groups involved
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