Harvest and postharvest technology

Abstract

This chapter enlists salient harvest and postharvest technologies of coconut. Various harvesting and postharvest gadgets, tools, machineries and equipments developed by different institutions are described. Technologies related to storage of nuts, processing of fresh coconut kernel and coconut water into different edible products, processing of dry kernel/copra, extraction and refining of coconut oil and processing of coconut sap (neera/sweet toddy) are explained in detail. The industrial and nonedible applications of coconut husk, coconut shell, coconut wood and coconut leaf are also described. Various sections that include harvesting and processing, technologies on food products as well as non-food products to future strategy in relation to harvest and postharvest technologies of coconut are concisely illustrated. A complete value chain information from harvesting to consumption and industrial utilisation from farm to fork is narrated. The need for refining some of the important equipments and technologies is indicated to make them more cost-effective and eco-friendly.