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Persimmon fruits are classified as astringent or non-astringent, depending on the level of astringency the unripe or partially ripe fruit exhibit at the time of harvest. Astringency in persimmon fruit is a sensation caused by tannins present in the flesh that can make the mouth feel dry, cause puckering, numb the tongue, and constrict the throat. Sometimes, it may also impart a bitter taste. The astringency decreases as the fruit ripen until it is no longer present in fully ripe fruit. While consumers typically prefer non-astringent varieties, the cultivation of astringent varieties notably remains common. The purpose of this publication is to introduce consumers, growers, Extension agents, and specialists to postharvest methods for reducing astringency in unripe persimmons, making them more palatable and acceptable for consumption.

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are known for their sweet and flavorful taste. They are native to Asia, specifically China, and were first grown in Florida in the 1870s. Persimmons are still not as popular in the United States as other fruits, but interest has been growing in recent years. Persimmon fruit are generally classified into astringent and non-astringent types. Astringent varieties can have adverse health effects caused by tannins and must be fully ripe (soft) or artificially treated to remove astringency. Drying is a common method to preserve and extend the shelf life of persimmons while also enhancing the flavor, color, and nutritional value of persimmons. There are different methods to dry persimmons, including traditional and modern methods.

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is a valuable temperate fruit from the Rosaceae family, which also includes many other commercially important fruits such as apples and pears, apricots, cherries and plums, and blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Peaches are known for being a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, as well as possessing a high antioxidant activity, all of which are associated with various health benefits. Furthermore, consumers greatly value high-quality peaches due to their exceptional nutritional value and enjoyable sensory attributes. This publication aims to familiarize growers, Extension agents and specialists, and the public with insight into drying methods of peach fruit, including freeze-drying and dehydration, that can extend shelf life of this commodity for year-round enjoyment.

The National Mango Board (NMB), an instrumentality of the US Department of Agriculture, commissioned this work to assist the mango industry. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information. However, NMB makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of information contained in this document. Mention of a trademark or proprietary product is for identification only and does not imply a guarantee or warranty of the product by the US Department of Agriculture. The US Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Stonefruit grown commercially in Florida include peaches, nectarines, and plums. This publication is directed to current and potential stonefruit growers, handlers, and marketers, as well as researchers, extension agents, students, and consumers. It provides information about the Florida stonefruit industry, stonefruit cultivars that are suitable for Florida, stonefruit postharvest physiology and pathology, fruit quality, and recommended postharvest handling and marketing practices.

Mejorar la calidad y laconsistencia de los frutos frescos de mangos que están disponibles para los consumidores en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica es un importante objetivo del National Mango Board (NMB). El National Mango Board financió el proyecto: “Monitoreo y Evaluación de la Cadena de Suministro del Mango para mejorar su Calidad”, el cual se denominó Proyecto de Calidad del Mango, el cual fue conducido de Diciembre 2007 a Abril de 2009 para identificar los problemas que impiden el que se puedan lograr estos objetivos de manera exitosa. El producto final del Proyecto de Calidad de Mango es este Manual sobre las Mejores Practicas para la Cosecha y el Manejo de los Mangos Comercializados en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Este manual incluye los procedimientos de control de calidad a ser utilizados cuando se monitoree la madurez y calidad en las operaciones comerciales en cuanto al manejo de los frutos de mangos. El manual de 73 páginas se puede descargar haciendo 'clic' en el ícono de PDF ubicado en la esquina superior izquierda, o haga 'clic' aqui.

Improving the quality and consistency of the fresh mangos that are available to consumers in the United States is an important goal of the National Mango Board (NMB). The NMB-funded project, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Mango Supply Chain to Improve Mango Quality (referred to hereafter as the Mango Quality Project), was conducted from December 2007 through April 2009 to identify impediments to successfully meeting that goal. The final deliverable of the Mango Quality Project is this best management practices manual for harvesting and handling mangos marketed in the U.S. The manual includes quality-control procedures to use when monitoring the maturity and quality of mangos in commercial handling operations. The 77-page manual (10 MB pdf), written in Portuguese, was most recently revised in October 2020. The English version is available at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1185.

Improving the quality and consistency of the fresh mangos that are available to consumers in the United States is an important goal of the National Mango Board (NMB). The NMB-funded project, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Mango Supply Chain to Improve Mango Quality (referred to hereafter as the Mango Quality Project), was conducted from December 2007 through April 2009 to identify impediments to successfully meeting that goal. The final deliverable of the Mango Quality Project is this best management practices manual for harvesting and handling mangos marketed in the US. The manual includes quality-control procedures to use when monitoring the maturity and quality of mangos in commercial handling operations.

This chapter focuses on methods and techniques for reducing losses in postharvest quality during typical commercial handling operations. This document is HS719, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published November 2006.

The importance of protecting perishable foods from loss of quality during transport has long been recognized. Increased recognition of the importance of the transport link in the food distribution cold chain in securing the safety of perishable foods has more recently become as well recognized. This updated edition reflects the dynamic changes and innovations in the handling and transportation of perishable foods. Some of these include improved insulation and air movement, microprocessors for more efficient refrigeration, expert systems to control the transport environment and conserve fuel energy, and the use of telematics to monitor and control the performance of refrigerated vehicles during transit. This edition includes descriptions and recommendations for food transported over the road and by rail in marine containers, as well as in railcars. This 214-page revision was written by J. K. Brecht, Steven A. Sargent, Patrick E. Brecht, Jorge Saenz, and Leonard Rodowick and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department in cooperation with the USDA AMS Transportation Services Division. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1328

Every year farmers must harvest their crops. This process marks the end of the growing season and carries social significance in communities, but it also creates challenges for producers trying to deliver fresh, high-quality produce to market. Good postharvest practices establish appropriate cold chains that maintain the correct temperatures, humidity, and respiration rates while also ensuring the safety, sanitation, and quality of the fruits. These postharvest practices differ, depending on the size and economic situation of an operation. This 18-page fact sheet provides postharvest storage, packaging, and handling recommendations for small farm specialty crop producers. Written by Jonathan Adam Watson, Danielle Treadwell, Steven A. Sargent, Jeffrey K. Brecht, and William Pelletier, and published by the Horticultural Sciences Department, October 2015. HS1270/HS1270: Postharvest Storage, Packaging and Handling of Specialty Crops: A Guide for Florida Small Farm Producers (ufl.edu)

If picked at the proper mature-green stage and handled properly, tomatoes will ripen to excellent edible quality. Proper postharvest handling of Florida tomatoes is critical to ensure the continued competitiveness of Florida growers.This publication focuses on round and roma (plum) tomatoes since these types are handled similarly under commercial conditions. Originally published August 1989. Revised November 2005, by Steven A. Sargent, Jeffrey K. Brecht, and Teresa Olczyk. This update December 2014 with Qingren Wang.

This 78-page Spanish-language manual includes quality-control procedures to use when monitoring the maturity and quality of mangos in commercial handling operations. It was written by Jeffrey K. Brecht, Steven A. Sargent, Adel A. Kader, Elizabeth J. Mitcham, Fernando Maul, Patrick E. Brecht, and Octavio Menocal, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, January 2011. HS1190/HS1190: Manual de Prácticas para el Mejor Manejo Postcosecha del Mango (ufl.edu)

Revised! HS1073, an 11-page illustrated fact sheet by Steven A. Sargent, Jeffrey K. Brecht, Teresa Olczyk and Elena Lon Kan, focuses on effective techniques for post-harvest handling of Roma and round tomatoes. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, November 2006.

This document is FSHN0212, one of a series of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication: October 2002. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs093