INJURY OF RED BAYBERRY DURING STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION

摘要

Red bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. and Zucc.) is a special fruit of China. It is a major horticultural produce of Zhejiang province. The nutritive composition of red bayberries is shown in Table 38.1 (Food Nutrition, 1991). This soft and juicy fruit has a very thin skin with small protuberances. It is harvested in the rainy season when temperature and humidity are high. Since its respiratory and senescence rates are very high after harvest, the red bayberry is very difficult to store and transport. Storage of red bayberry becomes further difficult due to tissue injury caused by mechanical damage due to vibration, collision and compression. Therefore, studies on the scientific handling, packaging and transport of this special fruit are very important in order to increase its shelf life and marketablity.