Assessment of the postharvest handling system for broccoli grown in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

In winter 1999, we assessed the handling system for broccoli grown on a farm in Gatton, Australia and marketed in the Brisbane wholesale market. The assessment covered the chain from harvesting, packing, storage, and transport, through to marketing. Process flow charts were developed, highlighting every step in the handling and marketing system. We gathered information at each process by questioning and observing, and also identified the loss points and hazards to quality. Where possible, we measured loss at each critical point and identified solutions or areas for further research.
The main loss points identified were during harvesting, loading bins for the coolroom, cool storage, broccoli tipped onto carousel sorting tables, and sorting. Potential solutions and areas for further research are discussed.