Applications of microwave energy to postharvest technology of fruits

and vegetables

 

 

 

Antonio Marsaioli Jr.,^1,* Michele N Berteli¹ and Nádia R Pereira²

¹Grupo de Engenharia e Pós-colheita, Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Campinas, SP, Brazil

²Laboratório de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos de Goitacazes, RJ, Brazil

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article reviews recent applications of microwave energy to postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables, including several that may not be widely known.

Findings: The techniques discussed here include pest control, direct and combined microwave heating and drying of fruits and vegetables, continuous microwave sterilisation of extracted fruit and vegetable purees, and microwave heat treatment of fruits of oil palm bunch. The advantages and disadvantages of these new methods are highlighted and compared with more conventional methods.

Directions for future research: In future, it is probable that newer microwave applications will be developed and become available for specific purposes. In addition, it is likely that the current techniques will also be further upgraded to render them more economical and will also be explored for application to other food products.

 

Keywords: microwave; fruits; vegetables; drying; pest control; sanitisation

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2009, 6:2

Published online 01 December 2009

doi: 10.2212/spr.2009.6.2