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Postharvest Analytics Aroma Profile as an Indicator of Chilling Stress

From Guido Deußing 7 min Reading Time

The determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in postharvest analysis using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) has proven to be a suitable tool for predicting the extent of chilling injury and minimizing food losses. The peach example presented here may serve as a model case for other commodities.

Peaches are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen after being picked. The recommended storage temperature is 0°C, otherwise there is a risk of cold damage.(Source: © Esther Hildebrandt - stock.adobe.com)
Peaches are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen after being picked. The recommended storage temperature is 0°C, otherwise there is a risk of cold damage.
(Source: © Esther Hildebrandt - stock.adobe.com)

To bridge and extend transport and marketing periods, peaches and other climacteric fruits are stored under refrigerated conditions. Cooling affects metabolism by slowing respiration and the ripening process, thereby extending shelf life. While cold storage offers clear advantages, it also carries certain risks. It may lead to chilling injury (CI). These physiological disorders typically become apparent only after storage—when fruit is displayed at retail or ripens further at room temperature in consumers’ homes. Chilling injury represents a significant challenge for marketing and quality management: fruit may appear externally sound during cold storage, while sensory defects often become evident only after purchase.

Signs of Chilling Injury