INNOVATIVE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TECHNOLOGIES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, yet their high perishability presents significant challenges in post-harvest management. This paper explores advanced processing technologies such as High-Pressure Processing (HPP), Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), Cold Plasma Treatment, Microwave-Assisted Drying, and Smart Packaging. These innovations aim to enhance nutritional retention, extend shelf life, and ensure food safety while promoting sustainability. A comparative analysis highlights the benefits, limitations, and applications of these technologies. Emphasis is placed on overcoming current challenges and leveraging these methods for a more efficient and consumer-friendly processing industry.