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Learning Objectives:
At the end of this INFORMATION SHEET, the trainee must be able to:
1. Enumerate the different physical indicators of maturity.
2. Differentiate and understand the differences different physical maturity indices.
What is maturity index?
The maturity index for a commodity is a measurement or measurements that can be used to determine whether a particular example of the commodity is mature. These indices are important to the trade in fresh fruits and vegetables for several reasons.
What is maturity in fruits?
The maturity of fruits and vegetables generally refers to the attachment of the last stage of the biological function of the part of a plant or the complete plant. It can also be a specific stage in the plant life of the fruit in which they grow to the maximum size.
Physical features:
Size
shape
surface characteristics
Changes in the size, shape, or surface charac- teristics of fruits and vegetables are common- ly used as maturity indices. For example, veg- etables in particular are harvested when they have reached a marketable size and before they become too large
What is the importance of harvesting proper stage of maturity?
Harvesting at the ideal moment is crucial for the quality development after harvest and for attaining the longest post-harvest life. Fruits harvested before the appropriate stage of maturation and ripening may not attain optimum quality after harvest, may become more sensitive to certain disorders
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