Inner browning in apples, usually showing as discoloration inside the fruit’s flesh, stems from a number of elements. It may be attributed to enzymatic reactions occurring when the apple’s cells are broken, releasing enzymes that work together with phenolic compounds, resulting in the formation of brown pigments. This enzymatic browning is exacerbated by bruising, freezing temperatures throughout storage, or imbalances in calcium ranges inside the fruit throughout its improvement on the tree.
Understanding the causes of inside browning is essential for minimizing post-harvest losses within the apple business and guaranteeing shopper satisfaction. Whereas not dangerous to devour, discolored apples are much less interesting and might influence their market worth. Historic agricultural practices and up to date analysis into apple varieties and storage strategies have constantly targeted on lowering the incidence of this phenomenon, highlighting its ongoing financial and sensible significance. Correct storage and calcium administration are key to stopping this concern.
The next sections will delve into particular varieties of inside browning, discover the biochemical processes concerned, and study preventive measures relevant throughout apple cultivation, storage, and dealing with. The dialogue may also take into account the affect of cultivar choice and environmental elements on the propensity of apples to develop inside discoloration.
1. Enzymatic Oxidation
Enzymatic oxidation stands as a major mechanism underlying inside browning in apples. When apple tissue is broken, whether or not by way of bruising, slicing, or freezing, mobile compartments are disrupted. This disruption releases enzymes, notably polyphenol oxidase (PPO), from their intracellular areas, permitting them to work together with phenolic compounds current within the apple flesh. The ensuing enzymatic response converts these phenols into quinones, which then polymerize to kind melanins, the brown pigments attribute of the discoloration. The extent of browning straight correlates to the exercise of PPO, the focus of phenolic compounds, and the supply of oxygen inside the apple tissue. For instance, a bruised apple left at room temperature displays accelerated browning in comparison with an undamaged apple saved in a managed ambiance with diminished oxygen ranges.
The significance of enzymatic oxidation extends past mere aesthetic considerations. The browning course of can alter the style and dietary profile of the apple. Whereas the melanins themselves usually are not usually dangerous, the oxidation course of could degrade sure nutritional vitamins and antioxidants current within the fruit. Controlling enzymatic oxidation is due to this fact important in preserving the standard and marketability of apples. Strategies reminiscent of making use of acidulants (e.g., lemon juice) to chop surfaces, which decrease pH and inhibit PPO exercise, or using modified ambiance packaging (MAP) to cut back oxygen publicity, are sensible methods employed to attenuate browning. Blanching, a warmth therapy that denatures enzymes, is efficient however impractical for complete recent apples.
In abstract, enzymatic oxidation represents a crucial causal issue within the discoloration of apples. Understanding the biochemical processes concerned allows the event of methods to mitigate browning and keep apple high quality. The problem lies in balancing preservation methods with the upkeep of fascinating sensory attributes. Additional analysis into PPO inhibitors and genetically modified apple varieties with diminished PPO exercise affords promising avenues for long-term options to attenuate inside browning and enhance shopper satisfaction.
2. Mobile Injury
Mobile harm constitutes a major instigator within the improvement of inside browning inside apples. The bodily disruption of cell construction, ensuing from occasions reminiscent of bruising, influence, or freezing, initiates a cascade of biochemical reactions that result in discoloration. When cell partitions rupture, enzymes and substrates, usually compartmentalized inside the cell, are introduced into contact. This contact triggers enzymatic browning, the oxidation of phenolic compounds into quinones, which subsequently polymerize to kind the brown pigments attribute of the situation. The diploma of mobile harm straight corresponds to the extent of browning noticed. For example, an apple dropped onto a tough floor experiences localized mobile harm on the level of influence, leading to a discrete space of browning beneath the pores and skin.
The significance of understanding mobile harm within the context of inside browning lies within the capability to implement preventative measures. Cautious dealing with throughout harvesting, transportation, and storage is essential to attenuate bodily trauma to the fruit. Modified ambiance storage, by slowing metabolic processes and lowering the speed of respiration, can not directly mitigate browning by lowering the physiological stress on the apple and preserving cell integrity. Moreover, deciding on apple varieties with inherently stronger cell partitions can supply a level of resistance to break. Managed ambiance storage impacts mobile harm to decelerate enzymatic reactions to protect the apple.
In abstract, mobile harm is a vital precursor to inside browning in apples. By understanding the mechanisms by way of which harm results in discoloration, efficient methods will be carried out to attenuate losses and keep apple high quality. Additional analysis into strengthening cell partitions and creating protecting coatings could supply further avenues for lowering the incidence of this downside. It will help higher preservation, dealing with and storing technique of apples.
3. Calcium deficiency
Calcium deficiency performs a big position within the improvement of inside browning in apples. Insufficient calcium ranges inside the fruit compromise cell wall integrity and physiological processes, predisposing apples to varied issues, together with browning. Its relevance can’t be understated, as ample calcium is key to sustaining structural soundness and general fruit high quality.
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Cell Wall Integrity
Calcium pectate is a crucial element of the cell wall in plant tissues. A deficiency in calcium weakens the cell partitions, making them extra vulnerable to breakdown and harm. This weakening facilitates the discharge of enzymes that set off browning reactions. For instance, apples grown in calcium-deficient soils exhibit diminished cell wall power and are extra vulnerable to bruising and subsequent browning throughout dealing with and storage.
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Membrane Stability
Calcium is important for sustaining the soundness and performance of cell membranes. Low calcium ranges can disrupt membrane integrity, resulting in the leakage of mobile contents, together with phenolic compounds and enzymes. This leakage accelerates the enzymatic browning course of. Apples with inadequate calcium usually tend to exhibit inside browning after harvest, notably throughout extended storage intervals.
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Physiological Issues
Calcium deficiency is related to a number of physiological issues in apples, reminiscent of bitter pit and lenticel breakdown, which may exacerbate inside browning. These issues trigger mobile harm and tissue breakdown, creating entry factors for browning reactions. Apples affected by bitter pit usually present localized areas of browning across the pits.
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Enzyme Exercise
Calcium influences the exercise of varied enzymes concerned in cell wall metabolism and browning reactions. Sufficient calcium ranges assist regulate these enzymes, stopping extreme breakdown of cell partitions and lowering the speed of browning. Apples with correct calcium vitamin are inclined to exhibit slower browning charges in comparison with these with deficiencies.
In abstract, calcium deficiency considerably will increase the susceptibility of apples to inside browning by compromising cell wall integrity, disrupting membrane stability, and contributing to physiological issues. Addressing calcium deficiency by way of correct soil administration and nutrient supplementation is essential for minimizing browning and sustaining apple high quality. The interaction of calcium vitamin and storage practices in the end determines the extent to which inside browning develops.
4. Freezing Damage
Freezing harm is a big issue contributing to inside browning in apples. Sub-freezing temperatures trigger ice crystal formation inside the fruit’s mobile construction, resulting in bodily harm and subsequent biochemical adjustments that end in discoloration. Understanding the mechanisms by which freezing impacts apple tissue is important for stopping post-harvest losses.
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Cell Rupture
Ice crystals forming inside the apple’s cells develop, inflicting the cell partitions and membranes to rupture. This disruption releases enzymes, together with polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenolic compounds, which then work together to supply brown pigments. The severity of cell rupture straight correlates with the extent of freezing and the speed of thawing. Apples subjected to sluggish thawing expertise extra intensive harm as ice crystals persist longer, exacerbating mobile harm.
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Dehydration Results
Freezing attracts water out of the cells, resulting in dehydration of the cytoplasm and additional harm to mobile buildings. This dehydration concentrates enzymes and substrates, growing the speed of enzymatic browning. The lack of water additionally impacts the feel of the apple, making it softer and extra vulnerable to secondary infections.
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Oxidative Stress
Freezing harm induces oxidative stress inside apple tissue. As cells are broken, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, contributing to the degradation of cell membranes and the oxidation of phenolic compounds. This oxidative stress accelerates the browning course of and diminishes the fruit’s general high quality. Antioxidant remedies can partially mitigate these results, however can’t totally reverse the harm.
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Pectic Modifications
Freezing and thawing alter the pectic substances inside the apple’s cell partitions. Pectic enzymes are activated, resulting in the breakdown of pectin, which additional weakens the cell construction. This pectin degradation contributes to the mushy texture usually noticed in frozen and thawed apples and will increase the accessibility of phenolic compounds to PPO, enhancing browning.
In conclusion, freezing harm induces multifaceted harm to apple tissue, every facet contributing to the event of inside browning. The rupture of cells, dehydration, oxidative stress, and alterations in pectic substances all play crucial roles within the discoloration course of. Preventive measures, reminiscent of correct storage temperature management and avoiding temperature fluctuations, are important to attenuate the chance of freezing harm and protect apple high quality.
5. Bruising influence
Bruising represents a standard type of mechanical harm to apples, considerably contributing to the incidence and severity of inside browning. The influence sustained throughout harvesting, dealing with, transportation, or storage disrupts mobile integrity, initiating a collection of biochemical reactions that in the end result in discoloration.
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Mobile Disruption
The first impact of bruising is the rupture of cell partitions and membranes inside the apple tissue. This bodily disruption releases enzymes, notably polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenolic compounds from their separate mobile compartments. The next interplay between these parts initiates enzymatic browning, ensuing within the formation of brown pigments inside the bruised space.
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Enzyme Activation
Bruising prompts enzymes liable for mobile degradation, accelerating the breakdown of tissue construction. PPO catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds, reworking them into quinones, which polymerize to kind melanins, the brown pigments seen in bruised tissue. The speed of enzymatic exercise will increase with the severity of the bruise and the storage temperature of the apple.
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Oxygen Publicity
Bruising will increase the permeability of apple tissue to oxygen. The inflow of oxygen into broken cells enhances the speed of enzymatic browning, as PPO requires oxygen to catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds. Modified ambiance storage, which reduces oxygen ranges, can mitigate the consequences of bruising by slowing down the enzymatic reactions.
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Tissue Softening
Bruising weakens the cell partitions, leading to softening of the apple tissue. This softening makes the apple extra vulnerable to additional harm and microbial invasion. The weakened tissue can be extra vulnerable to water loss, resulting in a shriveled look and diminished marketability.
In abstract, bruising is a crucial think about understanding the event of inside browning in apples. The mechanical influence results in mobile disruption, enzyme activation, elevated oxygen publicity, and tissue softening, all contributing to the discoloration course of. Minimizing bruising by way of cautious dealing with and acceptable storage circumstances is important for preserving apple high quality and lowering post-harvest losses.
6. Storage period
Storage period is a big determinant within the improvement of inside browning in apples. The size of time apples are saved post-harvest straight influences the development of physiological and biochemical processes that result in discoloration inside the fruit. Prolonged storage intervals present elevated alternative for elements contributing to browning to manifest and intensify.
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Enzymatic Exercise Development
Enzymatic browning, initiated by polyphenol oxidase (PPO), proceeds over time. Even underneath optimum storage circumstances, enzyme exercise continues, albeit at a diminished fee. Prolonged storage permits for the buildup of brown pigments, making discoloration extra noticeable. For example, apples saved for six months usually tend to exhibit inside browning than these saved for under two months, even when the storage circumstances are constant.
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Mobile Degradation Accumulation
Mobile breakdown, whether or not attributable to mechanical harm, freezing harm, or calcium deficiency, accumulates over extended storage. Preliminary minor harm can worsen over time, resulting in elevated enzyme launch and browning. Apples with refined bruising at harvest could develop important inside browning after a number of months in storage because the broken cells additional degrade.
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Respiration and Ethylene Results
Apples proceed to breathe throughout storage, consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and ethylene. Ethylene accelerates ripening and senescence, growing the susceptibility to browning. Longer storage durations expose apples to larger cumulative ethylene ranges, selling inside browning. Managed ambiance storage slows respiration and ethylene manufacturing, thereby mitigating the time-dependent improve in browning.
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Water Loss and Shrivel
Water loss from apples happens step by step throughout storage, resulting in shriveling and adjustments in tissue texture. As water is misplaced, the focus of enzymes and substrates inside the remaining tissue will increase, probably exacerbating enzymatic browning. Moreover, dehydration can weaken cell partitions, making them extra vulnerable to break. Apples saved in high-humidity environments exhibit much less water loss and diminished browning in comparison with these saved in low-humidity circumstances.
In conclusion, the period of storage considerably impacts the probability and severity of inside browning in apples. Enzymatic exercise, mobile degradation, respiration, and water loss all progress over time, contributing to discoloration. Using acceptable storage methods, reminiscent of managed ambiance circumstances and humidity management, can sluggish these processes and lengthen the shelf lifetime of apples, lowering the incidence of inside browning. Understanding the temporal dimension of those processes is important for optimizing storage practices and minimizing post-harvest losses.
7. Selection susceptibility
The predisposition of particular apple cultivars to inside browning demonstrates appreciable variation. This attribute, termed “selection susceptibility,” considerably influences the probability of an apple exhibiting inside browning underneath comparable storage and dealing with circumstances. Genetic elements inherent to every selection influence numerous physiological and biochemical attributes that have an effect on browning propensity.
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Phenolic Compound Profiles
Totally different apple varieties possess distinct compositions and concentrations of phenolic compounds, the substrates of enzymatic browning. Cultivars with greater preliminary ranges of those compounds, reminiscent of chlorogenic acid and catechin, are inherently extra vulnerable to browning when tissue harm happens. For instance, Granny Smith apples typically include greater phenolic ranges in comparison with Gala apples, probably explaining their larger susceptibility to browning following bruising.
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Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) Exercise
The exercise stage of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the enzyme liable for catalyzing the oxidation of phenolic compounds, varies considerably amongst apple varieties. Cultivars exhibiting greater PPO exercise show a larger propensity for speedy browning upon mobile disruption. Genetic analyses have recognized PPO gene variants that correlate with elevated enzyme exercise in sure varieties, making them prime candidates for inside browning improvement.
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Cell Wall Construction and Integrity
The structural traits of cell partitions differ throughout apple varieties, affecting their resistance to mechanical harm. Cultivars with weaker or extra simply disrupted cell partitions are extra vulnerable to bruising, resulting in the discharge of PPO and phenolic compounds and subsequent browning. Varieties like McIntosh, identified for his or her softer texture, are inclined to bruise extra simply and exhibit greater situations of inside browning in comparison with firmer varieties reminiscent of Fuji.
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Calcium Uptake and Distribution
The power of apple timber to soak up and distribute calcium successfully all through the fruit varies by selection. Calcium performs a vital position in sustaining cell wall integrity and membrane stability, lowering the chance of mobile breakdown and browning. Cultivars which might be much less environment friendly at calcium uptake or have uneven calcium distribution inside the fruit are extra vulnerable to creating inside browning and associated physiological issues, reminiscent of bitter pit, which regularly exacerbate browning signs. Genetic traits that affect calcium transport and storage inside apple tissues in the end have an effect on the fruit’s resistance to browning.
In abstract, “selection susceptibility” is a multifactorial trait influencing the extent of inside browning in apples. The interaction of phenolic compound profiles, PPO exercise, cell wall traits, and calcium dynamics dictates the inherent propensity of various apple varieties to exhibit discoloration. Choosing much less vulnerable cultivars and tailoring storage practices to the particular wants of every selection are important methods for minimizing inside browning and sustaining apple high quality. Continued analysis into the genetic determinants of those traits affords promising avenues for breeding apple varieties with improved resistance to browning, enhancing shopper satisfaction and lowering post-harvest losses.
8. Ethylene publicity
Ethylene, a naturally occurring plant hormone, performs a crucial position in fruit ripening and senescence. Publicity to elevated ethylene ranges accelerates these processes in apples, exacerbating the incidence and severity of inside browning. Ethylene initiates a cascade of biochemical adjustments inside the fruit, contributing to cell wall degradation, elevated respiration charges, and heightened susceptibility to enzymatic browning. Managed ambiance storage, which reduces ethylene focus, is a major technique for mitigating browning and lengthening the post-harvest lifetime of apples. In industrial settings, ethylene scrubbers are used to take care of low ethylene ranges throughout storage, thus minimizing the hormone’s detrimental results. For example, a batch of apples saved with out ethylene management could exhibit important inside browning after a number of months, whereas a comparable batch saved with ethylene scrubbers stays comparatively freed from discoloration.
Ethylene’s affect on inside browning stems from its promotion of cell wall degradation. By activating enzymes reminiscent of cellulase and pectinase, ethylene weakens cell wall construction, making the fruit extra vulnerable to bruising and mechanical harm. This harm, in flip, releases polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenolic compounds, initiating the enzymatic browning course of. Moreover, ethylene enhances respiration charges, growing the consumption of oxygen and the manufacturing of carbon dioxide. This altered ambiance inside the apple can disrupt mobile metabolism and contribute to tissue breakdown, resulting in browning. The sensible software of this understanding entails cautious monitoring and management of ethylene ranges throughout apple storage and transportation to stop untimely ripening and the onset of inside browning.
In abstract, ethylene publicity considerably contributes to inside browning in apples by accelerating ripening, selling cell wall degradation, and growing respiration charges. Whereas ethylene is important for pure ripening, its presence in excessive concentrations throughout storage will be detrimental. Methods geared toward lowering ethylene ranges, reminiscent of managed ambiance storage and using ethylene scrubbers, are essential for preserving apple high quality and minimizing post-harvest losses because of inside browning. Continued analysis into ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways in apples could result in novel approaches for controlling its results and enhancing fruit storage.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next questions deal with frequent considerations associated to inside browning in apples, providing concise explanations based mostly on present scientific understanding.
Query 1: Is an apple exhibiting inside browning secure for consumption?
Inner browning is primarily an aesthetic concern. Whereas the discoloration could render the apple much less interesting, the fruit stays typically suitable for eating. Nonetheless, if accompanied by indicators of rot, mould, or an uncommon odor, consumption isn’t advisable.
Query 2: What causes an apple to show brown internally?
Inner browning outcomes from enzymatic reactions occurring when the apple’s cells are broken. Enzymes, reminiscent of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), work together with phenolic compounds, resulting in the formation of brown pigments. Bruising, freezing, or imbalances in calcium ranges exacerbate this course of.
Query 3: Can inside browning be prevented?
Preventive measures embody cautious dealing with to keep away from bruising, sustaining correct storage temperatures (above freezing however not excessively heat), guaranteeing ample calcium ranges within the soil throughout apple cultivation, and using managed ambiance storage to cut back oxygen and ethylene publicity.
Query 4: Do sure apple varieties brown extra readily than others?
Sure, susceptibility to inside browning varies considerably amongst apple varieties. Varieties with greater concentrations of phenolic compounds or extra energetic PPO enzymes are inclined to brown extra simply.
Query 5: Does refrigeration decelerate inside browning?
Refrigeration can decelerate enzymatic exercise and respiration charges, which in flip slows the browning course of. Nonetheless, freezing temperatures may cause mobile harm and subsequent browning upon thawing. Preserve apple temperature above freezing factors to protect the apple.
Query 6: Is there a approach to reverse inside browning as soon as it has occurred?
Sadly, as soon as inside browning has developed, it can’t be reversed. The enzymatic reactions that trigger the discoloration are irreversible. The most effective method is prevention by way of correct dealing with and storage.
Understanding the elements contributing to inside browning allows knowledgeable selections relating to apple storage and consumption. Recognizing the variety-specific susceptibility and using acceptable preventative measures can assist decrease its incidence.
The subsequent part will discover the position of particular storage methods in mitigating inside browning and lengthening the shelf lifetime of apples.
Mitigating Inner Browning
This part presents actionable suggestions to attenuate the incidence of inside browning in apples, specializing in methods relevant all through the availability chain, from orchard to shopper.
Tip 1: Make use of Light Harvesting Strategies: Scale back bodily influence throughout apple harvesting. Bruising initiates enzymatic browning. Supervise choosing crews to make sure cautious dealing with, minimizing drops and collisions with different fruits or surfaces.
Tip 2: Implement Speedy Cooling Put up-Harvest: Promptly decrease the temperature of freshly harvested apples to sluggish metabolic processes. Speedy cooling inhibits enzyme exercise and respiration, lowering the speed of browning. Purpose to attain optimum storage temperatures inside 24 hours of harvest.
Tip 3: Optimize Calcium Diet within the Orchard: Guarantee ample calcium ranges within the soil and apply foliar calcium sprays to reinforce fruit calcium content material. Calcium strengthens cell partitions, lowering susceptibility to bruising and inside browning. Soil testing and nutrient administration packages are essential.
Tip 4: Make the most of Managed Ambiance (CA) Storage: CA storage regulates oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene ranges. Low oxygen concentrations inhibit enzymatic browning, whereas managed ethylene ranges sluggish ripening. Rigorously handle CA parameters to stop anaerobic circumstances, which may result in different physiological issues.
Tip 5: Make use of Ethylene Scrubbers: Ethylene promotes ripening and senescence, growing the probability of inside browning. Use ethylene scrubbers in storage services to take away ethylene and decelerate these processes. Monitor scrubber effectivity frequently to make sure optimum efficiency.
Tip 6: Keep away from Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Storage: Preserve secure storage temperatures to stop condensation and mobile harm. Temperature fluctuations can result in ice crystal formation and exacerbate browning. Use temperature monitoring techniques to trace storage circumstances repeatedly.
Tip 7: Choose Much less Inclined Apple Varieties: Contemplate the inherent susceptibility of various apple varieties to inside browning when planning plantings. Select cultivars identified for his or her resistance to browning, balancing this with market demand and different agronomic traits.
Tip 8: Handle Relative Humidity: Excessive humidity reduces water loss and shriveling, each of which exacerbate inside browning. Preserve optimum relative humidity ranges (usually 90-95%) in storage services. Use humidification techniques to regulate humidity exactly.
Adherence to those suggestions, encompassing cautious dealing with, optimized storage circumstances, and cultivar choice, will considerably scale back the incidence of inside browning, enhancing apple high quality and minimizing post-harvest losses.
The next and concluding part will summarize the important thing findings introduced all through this dialogue and supply concluding ideas on the continuing efforts to fight inside browning in apples.
Conclusion
This dialogue has comprehensively addressed “why is my apple brown inside,” exploring enzymatic oxidation, mobile harm, calcium deficiency, freezing harm, bruising, storage period, selection susceptibility, and ethylene publicity as contributing elements. Every factor considerably impacts the fruit’s propensity for inside discoloration, from orchard administration to post-harvest dealing with and storage practices.
Minimizing inside browning in apples requires an built-in method, emphasizing cautious dealing with, optimized storage circumstances, and the collection of much less vulnerable cultivars. Ongoing analysis into the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying browning affords the potential for revolutionary options that can additional scale back post-harvest losses and make sure the supply of high-quality fruit to customers.
