Quality of post harvest product
Post harvest quality represents market quality, edible quality, transport quality, table quality, nutritional quality, internal quality and appearance quality. Quality means a combination of characteristics, attributes and properties that gives the values to human and enjoyments. Consumers consider good quality in relation to colour, flavour and nutrition. Quality of the produce is the final manifestation of inter-relation between the commodity and its environment. The genetic characteristics and physiological status of the commodity determine the typical postharvest behavior and quality of the produce and these two are the major bases for the interaction. Pre-harvest factors viz. environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, water potential, light, cultural practices and pest management techniques determined the inherent quality of the produce. However, the ultimate quality is the final manifestation of inter relation between the commodity and its environment. Several pre-harvest and postharvest factors affect the quality of horticultural crops. Some of these factors are related to plant, others are related to environment or to cultural practices.