Post-Harvest Handling of Vegetables for Market

June 11, 2015


Join Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Cornell Vegetable Program's Robert Hadad to learn how to design, build, and operate a small-scale, DIY post-harvest handling system! DIY system will be set up alongside manufactured system for those looking to purchase rather than build a system. This great workshop will focus on the trifecta of good washing and handling - food safety, maintaining high quality and efficiency, and affordability for new and small growers.

The session starts with a discussion and hands-on demonstration of how to design and set-up your wash line, tables, and packing shed, with a focus on safe and efficient product flow to separate “dirty” field harvested produce from the washed and “clean” final product.

Next, we'll look at setting up standard operating practices covering a range of methods of washing produce, including dunking, spraying, and aerating, as well as the why and how of using sanitizers. This session finishes with an examination of clean-up procedures and post-harvest handling considerations, including re- cooling, packing, and storage.

If you want to build, purchase or upgrade your wash lines and post-harvest handling techniques and produce a safer, longer storing product, this workshop is for you!