Papaya Fruit Quality Management during the Postharvest Supply Chain

Abstract

Papayas are popular in tropical and subtropical regions and are being exported in large volumes to Europe, the United States, and Japan. The fruit has a sweet, exotic flavor and is rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants. However, due to its highly perishable nature, it has not emerged as a major traded fruit. Papayas are highly susceptible to qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses. Maintenance of papaya fruit quality during the supply chain depends on orchard management, harvesting practices, packing operations, postharvest treatments, temperature management, and transportation and storage conditions. Postharvest losses are attributed to mechanical damage, rapid flesh softening, decay, physiological disorders, pest infestation, and improper temperature management. The aim of postharvest technology and management in the supply chain is to provide favorable conditions to extend storage life and retain quality and nutritional attributes. This review focuses on the available research findings to retain overall papaya fruit quality and to reduce postharvest losses during the supply chain via adopting appropriate or novel postharvest technologies.

Keywords:

• Carica papaya
• Fruit quality
• Health-promoting compounds
• Postharvest management practices
• Tropical fruit

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Dr. Francis Zee, Kate Nishijima, and Dr. Tracie Matsumoto from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, for reviewing the manuscript and for their constructive suggestions.