Post-harvest Processing and Value Addition in Fruits for more earning

 

4.  Post-harvest Processing and Value Addition in Fruits

by. Dr. V. J. Savaliya M.Sc. (Agri)), Ph.D.

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     The post-harvest processing and value addition of fruits is part of the Integrated Farming System for significantly higher returns from farms. The shelf life of fruits is extended by converting them into new items. It also reduces losses and fruits of products are sold at higher prices in local and international markets through exports in different countries.

4.1 Techniques and Methods for Post-Harvest Processing and Value Addition

        There are many techniques and methods through which fruits are processed and value can be added creating clean or new products with specific content and nutritive value as per the demand of the market keeping human health on priority.

        The types of techniques and methods for processing and value addition are selected as per the type of fruits, stage of ripening, level of value addition, final product, to what extent to preserve or store, how to store, where and how to export etc. factors.

        The available financial resources, manpower, and machinery are deciding factors for the selection of the right techniques and methods for processing and value addition in fruits. There are a series of techniques and methods for processing and value addition in fruits starting from washing and cleaning of fruits to selling in a market with higher prices of products creating  Win-Win-Win situations for farmers as getting higher price, for middle persons- agencies for employment and business developed and lastly consumers for getting valued products in any season at any place of the country or world.

    These techniques and methods for post-harvest processing and value addition will be explained one by one in a series of articles.

4.1.1.    Washing and Cleaning of Fruits:

     The washing and cleaning of fruits is an initial and very important step to move further for processing. These practices are mostly used for removing dirt, pollutants, impurities, waste products, and other contaminants from the fruit surface. It is very important from a food safety point of view as through washing and cleaning of fruits,  bacteria, and fungus or any harmful living or dead material is removed. These are responsible for damaging fruit as well as responsible for vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or infections if consumed by people without further cleaning and processing.

·          The fruits are rinsed directly under running water or a sprinkler system as per the type of fruits and damage in fruits.   Soft brushes or vegetable brushes are used to clean up stick material on the surface of fruits. The brushes clean up the ridges and pores of the fruit skin. The fruits are soaked in baking soda solution or formulations which are permitted as per food safety rules and regulations to remove chemical residues and other harmful materials. The fruits are rinsed again properly under running water to remove the residue of the baking soda or formulations.

·             How different fruits are cleaned up:

·                   The apples can be rinsed under clean running water followed by rubbing gently with a clean cloth through fingers.    The berries can also be rinsed under clean running water followed by drain. The berries should be dried using clean paper towels. The citrus fruits can be rinsed under clean running water and scrubbing them with a soft brush or clean cloth. The fruits can be soaked in baking soda or permitted other formulations for removing the wax.

4.1.2 Machinery and instruments used for washing and cleaning fruits:

1.    Rolling drum brush washing machine:

There are different types of such machines having a series of rotating brushes. The brushes clean the fruits while the drum is rolling. The machines have having system of water flow and brush movement so the fruits are tumbled inside the drum which is filled up with water and brushes. Thus fruits are properly cleaned up without damage, and the drum is to be cleaned.

These types of machines are useful for washing and cleaning apples, bananas, citrus fruits, melons, stone fruits, and other fruits.

 2.    Roller with brush cleaning machine:

These types of machines have having series of rotating soft brushes and a spray system. The fruits are not damaged as the brushes are soft. After brushing, fruits are rinsed with a spray system of the machine. These types of machines are useful for washing and cleaning apples, bananas, citrus fruits, melons, stone fruits, and other fruits.

  3. Fruit bubble washing machine:

             These types of machines is having a system of combination of air and water which creates air bubbles and turbulence. It separates dirt, contamination, and pollutants from the fruit surface. The fruits are rinsed off by a spray system in the machine. These types of machines are useful for washing and cleaning berries and other fruits.

4. Ultrasonic cleaning machine:

        These types of machines have having system of creating vibrations through high-frequency sound waves. These machines are very useful in removing harmful chemicals and pesticides, dirt, and pollutants from fruits' surfaces. These types of machines are useful for washing and cleaning apples, berries, citrus fruits, and other fruits

 There are different types of machines or instruments available in markets per type and stage of fruits and mode of action requirements.

 (A)  General-purpose fruit washers: There are on basis of different systems

  These are: Brush washers, Spray washers, Combination brush and spray washers, Ultrasonic   washers, Bubble washers

 (B) Fruit-specific washers: These are based on types of fruits.

·   These machines are made up of specific fruits like Specific Washer for apple, cherries, apricots peach pears, avocados, banana, berry, orange, lemon, mango, grape, melon,   pineapple, plum, etc.

(C)  Fruit drying machines :

These machines are drying the fruits after washing and cleaning.

Such as Air dryers, Microwave dryers Belt dryers, Cabinet dryers, Vacuum dryers

(D) Fruit inspection machines:

These are for detecting or inspecting the fruits for preparing the best quality products.

       Such as  Metal detectors, X-ray machines, Optical sorters,

(E)  Other fruit cleaning and washing instruments:

These are    Fruit dip tanks, Ozone generators, Fruit rinse tanks,  UV light sterilizers, etc.

The washing and cleaning machinery and instruments are selected considering the type of fruits,  available resources as well as desired type, quantity, and quality of final product.

 The second part of Post-harvest processing and value addition will be the next article...........