Primary Processing of Fruits and Vegetables

In order to ensure sustainable supply of perishable foods viz., fruits and vegetables to the growing population of the world, food processing plays a vital role. Primary processing is the first level of processing done after harvest to prevent spoilage and contamination of these perishable commodities. Primary processing involves various unit operations viz., cleaning, washing, grading, pre-cooling, peeling etc. These operations are carried out prior to marketing or further processing for maintaining quality, better appeal, convenience during handling etc.