The Effects of Post-Harvest Treatments on the Quality Characteristics of Citrus Fruits (Oranges)

Abstract

Citrus fruits have been one of the major food produced in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese and Mfantseman Districts. There has been a major concern about the production, harvesting, packaging, processing, and marketing of citrus fruits as well as the improvement of the citrus industry in the country. With high demand and popular dietary preferences, citrus fruit is widely consumed and has become an inseparable part of our diets. This called for the study of the effects of post-harvest treatments on the quality characteristics of the citrus fruits (oranges) in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese and Mfantseman Districts in the Central Region of Ghana. From the findings, whether the fruits go through the covered treatment process or sun treatment process they all have effects on the citrus fruit qualities.  However, it was observed that leaving the fruits in the sun has more adverse effects on the fruit quality characters such as fruit juice content, fruit weight, vitamin C, Total Titratable Acidity, and Total Soluble Solid (Brix). It is, therefore, recommended that farmers should be encouraged to cover their fruits after harvest.