Post-Harvest Technology Flashcards
6 cards from real Agricultural/Bioengineering practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Post-Harvest Technology flashcards as text
What does the term 'precooling' mean in fresh produce handling?
Answer: Rapidly removing field heat from produce after harvest
Precooling rapidly lowers produce temperature after harvest to slow respiration, decay, and moisture loss.
Which precooling method is most suitable for leafy vegetables such as lettuce?
Answer: Vacuum cooling
Vacuum cooling rapidly removes heat through evaporation from high-surface-area crops like lettuce in 20–30 minutes.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh-cut produce primarily aims to:
Answer: Balance O₂ and CO₂ inside the package to slow respiration
MAP creates a modified gas environment around produce to reduce respiration rate and extend shelf life.
Grain stored at a temperature of 50°F (10°C) compared to 70°F (21°C) will:
Answer: Have a significantly longer safe storage life
Lower temperatures reduce the metabolic activity of grain, mold, and insects, extending safe storage life considerably.
Aflatoxin contamination in stored corn and peanuts is produced by which organism?
Answer: Aspergillus species
Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus produce aflatoxins, potent carcinogens, in warm, humid grain storage conditions.
The term 'cold chain' in fresh produce logistics refers to:
Answer: Maintaining continuous refrigeration from harvest to retail sale
The cold chain is an unbroken temperature-controlled supply chain that preserves produce quality from farm to consumer.