Question

Name the post-harvest treatment process where there is rapid removal of the field heat from the freshly harvested horticultural produce.

Hint:

Fact: Pre-cooling is one of the first steps in the cold chain that ensures safe delivery of fresh produce to markets.

Answer 1

The process used for the rapid removal of field heat from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables is called Pre-cooling.
Pre-cooling is an essential post-harvest practice that immediately lowers the temperature of the harvested produce to slow down respiration and delay spoilage.
Field heat, if not removed quickly, can cause deterioration, weight loss, and quality reduction during storage and transportation.
Common methods of pre-cooling include forced air cooling, hydro cooling, vacuum cooling, and ice cooling, depending on the type of produce.
Proper pre-cooling extends shelf life, maintains freshness, and preserves the nutritional quality of horticultural products.
It is especially important for highly perishable items like leafy vegetables, berries, and cut flowers.