Emerging technologies to extend the shelf life and stability of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are living tissues and highly perishables products needing optimal postharvest technologies to maintain their storage stability and extend their shelf life. Growing consumer demand for convenience in food preparation and consumption, including product form, packaging, quality preservation, and year-round availability, has being driving the F&V system to one with an increased focus on value added and cost minimization by streamlining of distribution. Quality and stability of F&V depend on the cultivar, preharvest practices, climacteric conditions, maturity at harvest, harvesting methodology, and postharvest conditions, making shelf life prediction a difficult task when compared with other food products. Postharvest deterioration can be controlled by reducing the storage temperature and respiration rate and by modification of the gas atmosphere surrounding the product which would improve stability and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere packaging technologies still remain effective tools for extending the shelf life of F&V; however it can be further enhanced by using novel disinfection techniques, active packaging, and additional hurdles technologies against produce deterioration. Moreover, the stability of any packaging solutions can be well monitored and evaluated by utilizing nondestructive quality techniques.