Summary
This narrative review synthesises emerging postharvest technologies for fresh produce, comparing advanced physical and chemical treatments with traditional preservation approaches. The review evaluates both preservation methods (active packaging, high pressure, cold plasma) and contactless quality monitoring techniques (spectroscopy, electronic noses), emphasising their role in reducing post-harvest losses during long-distance distribution whilst maintaining nutritional and safety standards.
Regional applicability
The technologies reviewed are broadly applicable to United Kingdom horticulture supply chains, particularly for extending shelf-life of domestically produced and imported fresh produce destined for distant markets. UK retailers and exporters face similar post-harvest losses; however, regional applicability would depend on implementation feasibility and regulatory approval of individual technologies within UK and EU food safety frameworks.
Key measures
Quality retention, nutritional value preservation, safety, shelf-life extension, waste reduction, and non-destructive monitoring methodologies
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on advanced postharvest physical, chemical, and biocontrol treatments (active packaging, vacuum impregnation, pulsed electric field, high hydrostatic pressure, cold plasma) and non-destructive quality monitoring techniques (image analysis, electronic noses, near-infrared spectroscopy) for preserving nutritional value and safety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
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