The effects of a low cost hydro cooling system on the postharvest quality characteristics of selected tropical fruits and vegetables

Quality of fresh produce getting to consumers is influenced by the postharvest handling practices. In developing countries, low cost hydrocooling system offers affordable means to curb postharvest loses of perishables. This study was undertaken to establish the effect of combining hydrocooling and low temperature storage on postharvest quality of perishables, specifically carrots, courgettes, tomatoes and African eggplants. Mature good quality produce were harvested and divided into four portions. Two portions were hydrocooled using chilled water (2±1 °C) and change in temperature monitored. The other two were controls. Hydrocooled and control samples were stored at 10 °C and 20-25 °C at 95% relative humidity. Respiration rates, weight loss, soluble solids and titratable acidity changes were assessed at 2 days interval for 9 days. The percentage weight loss on day 9 was 1.83 %, 13.91 %, 8.09 %, 6.25 % and titratable acidity was 0.24%, 0.019%, 0.13%, in samples hydrocooled and stored at 10° compared to 4.30%, 28.35%, 20.03%, 2.15% weight loss and 0.32%, 0.037%, 0.16%, titratable acidity in control for tomatoes, courgettes carrots and African eggplants respectively. Respiration rates and soluble solids were higher in controls. Storage time had a significant effect (P≤0.05) on produce quality.