Book Description

The quantity of fresh citrus fruit shipped annually is nearly equivalent to the total amount of all deciduous fruits shipped. In some respects the shipment of citrus is the more difficult, because the citrus production areas are usually more distant from the market centers. Florida, Califrnia, and Texas produce most of the citrus, but deciduous fruits are produced throughout the United States. The longn trip involvedin marketing citrus fruits requires careful handling in the packing inthe packinghouse to insure good condition on arrival. In an average season, appreciable quantities of the citrus fruit shipped to market arelost through decay. Rough handling, improper degreening, and other practices increase the amount of decay. Through proper handling and packing, this loss can be reduced and the appearance of the fruit improved so that it appeals more strongly to buyers and consumers. Fruit sales, like grocery sales, must be on a repeat basis if they are to be profitable. The purpose of this bulletin is to point out and explain the best handling and packing methods in the hope that a better product may be marketed.