Product Description
The second edition of this very well-received book, which in its first edition was entitled Postharvest Technology of Fruits and Vegetables, has been welcomed by the community of postharvest physiologists and technologists who found the first edition of such great use. The book covers, in comprehensive detail, postharvest physiology as it applies to postharvest quality, technology relating to maturity determination, harvesting, packaging, postharvest treatments, controlled atmosphere storage, ripening and transportation on a very wide international range of fruits and vegetables.

The new edition of this definitive work, which contains many full colour photographs, provides key practical and commercially-oriented information of great use in helping to ensure that fruit and vegetables reach the retailer in optimum condition, with the minimum of loss and spoilage.

Fruits and vegetables, 2nd edition is essential reading forfruit and vegetable technologists, food scientists and food technologists, agricultural scientists, commercial growers, shippers and warehousing operatives and personnel within packaging companies. Researchers and upper level students in food science, food technology, plant and agricultural sciences will find a great deal of use within this landmark book. All libraries in research establishments and universities where these subjects are studied and taught should have copies readily available for users.

A. K. Thompson was formerly Professor and head of Postharvest Technology, Silsoe College, UK. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A superbly organized, fact-filled resource
Now in an expanded and updated second edition, Fruit And Vegetables: Harvesting, Handling And Storage by academician and agriculture expert A. K. Thompson is an extensively detailed, professional quality reference concerning the harvest, care, and storage needs of a vast variety of fruits and vegetables. Each different edible item has its own entry with meticulously presented information, including tables concerning how storage atmosphere or time affects acidity, taste, or firmness/texture qualities for vegetables such as peas, precise recommendations in degrees celsius for the optimum refrigeration temperature of many fruits and vegetables, safety concerns, and more. A superbly organized, fact-filled resource, Fruit And Vegetables is an impressive text for graduate studies Agricultural Science reading lists and as a thoroughly "user friendly", single volume, professional quality, occupational resource. ... Read more

Product Description
This text's core contains the "clinic" chapters on vegetables, herbs and fruit, where a selection of the most popular plants is taken, their pests and diseases are described, and the means of dealing with them is given. More general problems, such as aphids and ants, are discussed separately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No information available
It is difficult to write a review, much less purchase a book when no picture and no information other than the title is offered at the website.Please provide at least some minimal information so that I can decide to purchase or not.I am in need of such books as I am hoping to build a complete gardening library as part of my consulting practice.
Thank you. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents the latest methods in the manufacture and supply of grains, fruits, vegetables and spices. Details the physiology, structure, composition, and characteristics of plants and crops. ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing on the great variety of research being done in the field of postharvest pathology, this volume presents a collection of topics concerning the diseases of harvested fruits and vegetables.

Each chapter represents a separate unit which taken together create a better understanding of the whole subject.Topics include the causal agents of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables, their sources and their ways of penetration into the host; factors that may accelerate the development of the pathogen in the host - and those that suppress them; a list of the main pathogens of fruits and vegetables, their hosts and the diseases elicited by them; and a detailed description of the major diseases of selected groups of fruits and solanaceous vegetable fruits.Attack mechanisms of pathogens and defense mechanisms of the host are examined as are treatments aimed at suppressing postharvest diseases. The search for natural and safe chemical compounds and the variety of alternative physical and biological methods for use in postharvest disease control are emphasized.

Teachers and students who focus on postharvest pathology, scientists in research institutes, companies dealing with fruit and vegetable preservation technologies and for all those striving to improve the quality of harvested fruits and vegetables will find this book of great interest.

... Read more

Product Description
There is nothing quite like growing your own fresh produce. This practical guide gives you the confidence and know-how you need, from selecting and planting to harvesting and propagation. ... Read more

Product Description
An introductory text for students, professionals and others engaged in agricultural science and engineering, food science and technology, in the field of primary processing of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables. ... Read more

Product Description
Recent advances in genetic engineering and in the chemistry and biochemistry of fruit and vegetables have radically changed our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes, and the potential for modification of the products themselves.This is the first book to examine these topics and address the role of fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet and the prevention of cancer and coronary diseases. The main focus is on the secondary metabolites which are responsible for quality characteristics including color, aroma, and flavor, and their nutritional importance and role in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.The book also explores how the post-harvest technological treatments to which these commodities are submitted can cause changes in secondary metabolism, with consequences for the quality of the product. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Psudo Gardner Tells HIS Tales
The only thing that kept me from giving this book one star is that the first couple of pages taught me about Hybridizing - and why it's wrong - and somewhere in the middle there is information about how the European Community is having an affect on crop variety.The rest of this book is disorganized, and only speaks to the author's own vegetable intrests. From the sound of it, he's only gardened one season (the previous year) and wasn't able to discuss the results of most of his plantings becuase "the season ended early".Well, did you ever think you might have planted the seeds late?!?!This book should really be titled the "John F. Adams failed expiriments at growing Corn, Beans & Fruit Trees." ... Read more

Product Description
Consumers are advised to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, but the health effects of increased intake are not fully understood. This important collection brings together information on the health-promoting properties of fruit and vegetables.

Introductory chapters provide an overview of fruit and vegetable bioactives and consumer attitudes towards fruit and vegetables. Part two discusses the health effects of fruit and vegetables in relation to specific diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. The focus in Part three is on understanding fruit and vegetable phytochemicals. Chapters cover physiological and ecological functions and biosynthesis of health-promoting compounds in fruit and vegetables, rapid analysis of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables and clinical evidence for biological activity of fruit and vegetable phytochemicals.

Part four chapters review the effect of pre- and post-harvest technologies on the health-promoting properties of fruit and vegetables. Topics covered include traditional breeding and modern processing techniques and their effect on fruit and vegetable phytochemicals; genetic manipulation of vegetable crops to alleviate diet-related diseases; agronomy and the nutritional quality of fruit; storage and handling of fruit and vegetables for optimal health-related quality and postharvest enhancement of bioactive compounds in fresh produce using abiotic stresses. The final chapters in Part five look at the nutritional quality of particular fruit and vegetable products, such as fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and organic fruit and vegetables.

Improving the Health-Promoting Properties of Fruit and Vegetable Products will be a valuable reference for those working in the fresh and processed fruit and vegetable sector of the food industry. ... Read more

Product Description
Fruits and vegetables are one of the richest sources of ascorbic acid, other antioxidants and produce-specific bioactive compounds. A general consensus from health experts has confirmed that an increased dietary intake of antioxidant compounds found in most fresh produce types may protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and reduce the incidence of certain cancers and chronic diseases.Currently there is no book available which collectively discusses and reviews empirical data on health-promoting properties of all fresh produce types, and the proposed book will provide detailed information on identity, nature, bioavailablity, chemopreventative effects, and postharvest stability of specific chemical classes with known bioactive properties.In addition, chapters discuss the various methodologies for extraction, isolation, characterisation and quantification of bioactive compounds and the in-vitro and in-vivo anticancer assays. It will be an essential resource for researchers and students in food science, nutrition and fruit and vegetable production. ... Read more

Product Description
This book takes the gardener through each season in detail, covering tasks to be planned and executed in the garden and the greenhouse at each stage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

glossy slick pages reveal detailed tips for beginners
I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book, but was pleasantly impressed immediately with the extreme high quality prints contained within!This should be billed more like a coffee table book, but the information it shares is too good to pidgeonhole as a picture book.I'd class this as a class act entry level book for detailed directions @ starting the process of growing veggies and plants in their infancy.The only negative I'd comment on is that I wish it was bigger.Its hard to cover it all with just one book though. ... Read more

Product Description
An increased understanding of the developmental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology during early growth, maturation, ripening, and postharvest conditions has improved technologies to maintain the shelf life and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Postharvest Biology and Technology of Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers provides a comprehensive introduction to this subject, offering a firm grounding in the basic science and branching out into the technology and practical applications. An authoritative resource on the science and technology of the postharvest sector, this book surveys the body of knowledge with an emphasis on the recent advances in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
• The only consumer guide that spans the entire scope of garden edibles

• Expanded food crops encyclopedia details 250 varieties of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs

• Up-to-date and revised how-to information that gardeners can apply

• Ideas to incorporate edible crops into home landscapes and limited spaces

• A bounty of garden tips and timesavers help novice growers with selection and care ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Advice for veggie growers
This book is great.Ortho really does a great job on their gardening books.
Lots of advice for growing vegetables in Summer, Spring and Fall.Full of information from prepping the garden and soil to harvesting.Information also on growing herbs.Very easy to understand. It also has lots of illustrations for those of us who like visuals.

All the basics in one place
If I had to recommend only one general guide to vegetable and edible gardening, this would be it. In addition to information on vegetables, this 224 page guide includes sections on planning your garden; herbs; fruits, berries & nuts; and dealing with pests & diseases.

In additon to a fairly standard encyclopedia of vegetables, I especially found the guide to pruning fruit trees, brambles (blackberries, raspberries, etc.), and grapes superior to any descriptions I've found elsewhere. The instructions are easy to read with useful diagrams that actually make sense. I've used the pruning advice to greatly increase my raspberry and grape harvest - much to the envy of my neighbors!

A good basic, no-nonsense kitchen gardening book
If the focus of your garden is vegetables or fruit, you need this book. Concise but informative, this book combines and updates three or four older books (some of which were hard to find in their original editions) by the same publisher into one handy, easily browsed book of techniques and varieties. The end result is a reference suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

The book has four main sections: vegetables, herbs, temperate fruits, and tropical fruits. All sections are very well illustrated with mouth-watering photographs, and the techniques mentioned are illustrated decently well where they aren't well-described. A long list of seed producers is available in the back of the book, including URLs, and there's a whole chapter on seasons and how to take advantage of them. The tropical fruit section is particularly helpful for those in temperate zones who might wish to grow citrus or bananas.

If the book has a weakness it's the lack of mention of alternative gardening techniques. While a guide to basic hydroponics would be above and beyond the call of duty and information on biodynamics would be simply ridiculous, there is no section on organic gardening. It may be that it would expand the scope of the book somewhat unacceptably, but that's still a serious omission for a gardening book published in 2004. It's not a dealkiller though.

Overall, this is an excellent value for gardening books from a long-standing book series. If you can have only one book on vegetable gardening techniques, this is a strong contender.

Very complete and detailed
This helpful guide contains instructions for growing fruit and herbs as well as vegetables. It gives climate and soil requirements, and detailed growing instructions. It also discusses various species. This is the only vegetable gardening book I've come across that also includes extensive information on growing fruit, including all the major species that grow in the US, as well as semi-tropical species such as oranges for warmer climates. It even covers nut tress! The section on herbs is very large and complete. It even tells how to pollinate your own plants, when you have only a few. There are many excellent color pictures and illustrations. If you grow vegetables, fruit, or herbs, you need this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Here Sarah Raven, a leading proponent of the local foods movement, shows how to make the most of fresh produce, whether from your own garden, your local farmers’ market or the grocery. Taking us through the year in six seasonal chunks of two months each, she highlights the best vegetables, fruits, and herbs from each period, throwing in tidbits she’s learned firsthand from her own garden. The more than 250 simple and delicious recipes borrow from different cuisines and include such inventive dishes as Cranberry Bean Hummus; Squid, Pea, and Chorizo Stew; Basil Custard; Zucchini Chutney; Saute of Peas and Lettuce; Penne with Preserved Lemon and Avocado; and Pears Poached in Saffron Syrup. While some recipes are ideal for vegetarians, there are many designed to bring out the best in meat, poultry, and seafood. In Season will inspire a new appreciation of fresh produce and will be an indispensable addition to every serious cook’s shelves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A good book with lots of pretty pictures
The pictures and recipes in this book are really great, but some of the author's personal stories make it hard to identify with her. It's a bit pretentious, but I can easily look past that.

Beautiful
I absolutely love this book.The effort that was put into this is amazing.Raven splits up veggies/fruits by their peak month, gives an intro to each of her picks, and follows with recipes ranging from simple to moderate.It's clear she prefers to preserve the food she is cooking and tells you in which month they peak so that you can dress it simply b/c it's at its most flavorful.

I really wanted this book b/c often certain veggies look so incredible at the supermarket, but I'm not sure what to do with them.This book makes it really simple without even knowing what other ingredients you need b/c the recipes call for basic food staples you likely have!

Beautiful book, but recipes are lacking
This is a beautiful book, with lots of lovely color photographs. However, many of the photographs are not of the actual recipes. The recipes are okay. Many of them are not things that I would actually make, i.e. there is a lot of baking, jam making, ice creams. Also the fruit/veggies that are readily available (melons, sweet peppers, etc) often have fewer recipes than obscure/expensive fruits/veggies (gooseberries, currants, zuccini flowers, etc). It was interesting to read, but I am returning it because I don't think I will ever actually use it.

Note: I have not made any of the recipes, because I struggled to find something that I actually wanted to make and could get all the ingredients for at a reasonable price.

Wonderful Cookbook!
This is an outstanding cookbook for someone who likes to cook fresh from the garden.It has a wide variety of delicious items and as an added treat there are wonderful pictures!

In Season
The photographs are vivid and compelling.

The recipes are usable.Not many exotic ingredients.Easy to prepare and delicious to eat and pretty to serve.

Using food fom the garden is healthy and colorful.

I am so happy to have this book.

I have recommended to my friends too.

I boujght The Great Vegetable Plot and this book led me to "In Season".

Sarah Raven is inspiring! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What I Expected
I found out about this book over the summer. I suspected that it was out of print and was happy to find used copies on Amazon. It's full of useful and well organized information, and I got it in about one week in good condition. If you are interested in growing fruit and vegetables in the Tropics, especially tropical Africa, this is a must-have. ... Read more