Environmentally Friendly Technologies for Agricultural Produce Quality (PDF)

While ecology as a whole continues to receive considerable attention, postharvest food handling, until recently, had not been examined from a green perspective. This has changed as health-conscious consumers look to improve both their diets and their environment. Environmentally Friendly Technologies for Agricultural Produce Quality is the first book to take a focused look from an ecological point of view at the way produce is preserved, packaged, and shipped. The book's editor, Shimshon Ben-Yehoshua, a leader in the international scientific community, presents a framework he refers to as the triple bottom line, which takes into consideration economic and societal issues and an environmental perspective. Experts and eminent researchers discuss recent developments, such as the use of genetic engineering, modified atmosphere packaging, pest control for durable and perishable produce, all designed to reduce spoilage without compromising quality or negatively impacting the environment. Keeping faith with the triple bottom line, the book explores related topics such as innovations in transportation and the value of produce to human health. This book makes an excellent handbook for postharvest professionals and others handlers of produce as well as a textbook for students preparing to meet the needs of a health and ecology conscious society.