Harvest & Post-Harvest
Storage: Light, Oxygen, Temperature & Packaging
Storage quality changes over time through oxidation, volatilization, light exposure, temperature-dependent reactions, moisture exchange, and physical handling.
Key concepts
- Higher temperature generally accelerates many degradation reactions
- Light can contribute to chemical change
- Oxygen exposure supports oxidation
- Packaging controls moisture and gas exchange to different degrees
What to measure or observe
- Record storage temperature
- Minimize unnecessary opening and headspace exchange
- Check seal integrity
- Monitor aroma, texture, visible mold, and validated moisture indicators
Common mistakes
- Assuming colder is always better without considering condensation
- Ignoring repeated package opening
- Using transparent packaging in bright storage
- Treating all packaging films as equivalent barriers
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Storage degradation pathway map
- Packaging barrier comparison
- Condensation risk diagram
- Light/oxygen/temperature interaction graphic