Rita Nassur’s Post

View profile for Rita Nassur, graphic

PhD, Scientist at BASF | Nunhems. Bringing innovation to the table.

Food Facts Lab 3️⃣! 🍊Lets talk a little bit about Citrus🍋 In the realm of Citrus – encompassing various species under the umbrella of Citrus spp. – lies a realm of flavor, nutrition, and postharvest intricacies that demand serious contemplation. 🌱 From the initial moment of harvest to the culmination of consumption, a symphony of scientific factors orchestrates the journey. 🚜🧤The Harvesting Dilemma: The choice between manual handpicking and advanced mechanical harvesting involves a thorough understanding of fruit detachment forces and minimization of damage to the delicate fruit structures. The final destinatiin or use of the fruits also plays an important role. 📦 Packaging Precision: Optimal storage begins with the choice of packaging materials – mesh bags or cardboards. This decision hinges on their ability to facilitate controlled gaseous exchange, an essential factor in postharvest management. 🌡️ Temperature and Humidity Harmony: Achieving the ideal storage environment is an art. The temperature range of 7-13°C (44-55°F) and a humidity level of 85-90%RH ensure the delicate balance between moisture loss and avoiding microbial proliferation. Oranges hold strong for 2 weeks to 2 months, while lemons hold their zest for 1-6 weeks. 🍊🍋🍽️🚣♀️Nutrient Complexity: Beyond their tantalizing taste, Citrus spp. are treasure troves of nutrients. From the immunity-boosting properties of Vitamin C to the digestive benefits of fibers and the intricate web of antioxidants, they contribute holistically to well-being. 🌬️💧Fun fact: the flotation phenomenon: the ethereal sight of citrus fruits afloat is attributed to the anatomical marvel of air-filled albedo pockets within the peel. These natural buoyancy mechanisms showcase the fusion of biology and physics in nature. 🍊🍋 #postharvest #fruitsandvegetables #fruitquality #foodquality #citrus #oranges #freshproduce #lemon #lime #CitrusScience #PostharvestInsights

  • No alternative text description for this image
Ariela Thomas

R&D Associate Principal Scientist at PepsiCo | Foods R&D | Innovation | Product Development

9mo

I had no idea about the air filled pockets in the peel 😄!! Always learning something new from your posts, Ritinha! ☺

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics