CALAMANSI POST HARVEST

INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a small, citrus fruit that
belongs to the Rutaceae family. Also known as calamondin or Philippine
lime, it is native to the Philippines but is cultivated in various tropical and
subtropical regions around the world. The fruit is typically round and
small, resembling a miniature tangerine. Calamansi is valued for its tangy
and tart flavor, making it a popular ingredient in culinary applications,
beverages, and traditional medicine. Beyond its culinary uses, calamansi is
rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding nutritional value to its appeal.
Its versatility, distinctive taste, and nutritional benefits make calamansi a
sought-after fruit in many cuisines and a key player in the agricultural
landscapes of regions where it thrives.
Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is native to the Philippines.
The fruit is believed to have originated in this Southeast Asian country. It
is widely cultivated and used in Filipino cuisine, where it is known as
calamondin or calamansi. Over time, calamansi has been introduced to
and cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the
world, becoming a staple in the agriculture of those areas. While it has its
origins in the Philippines, its popularity has led to its widespread
cultivation in other countries for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Pre- Harvest
The pre-harvest period in calamansi cultivation refers to the time
leading up to the actual harvesting of the fruit. This phase is crucial for
ensuring a successful and high-quality harvest.. Here are some key aspects of
the pre-harvest practices in calamansi:

Monitoring Maturity
Calamansi fruits should be harvested when they have reached the desired
level of maturity. The maturity is often determined
by factors such as color, size, and taste. The fruit is
usually picked when it has attained the
characteristic orange color.
Timing of harvest
Harvesting should be done at the right time to ensure optimal flavor,
quality, and nutritional content. Waiting too long
or harvesting too early can affect the taste and
overall quality of the fruit.
Weatherer Condition
Consideration of weather conditions is essential during the pre-harvest
period. Harvesting is typically done in dry weather
to prevent fruit damage, reduce the risk of
diseases, and facilitate better postharvest
handling.

Preventing Pests and Diseases

Implementing pest and disease control measures before harvesting is
crucial. This may involve the use of pesticides,
maintaining proper sanitation in the orchard, and
monitoring for any signs of infestations.
Proning and Trinning
Pruning and thinning may be carried out during the pre-harvest period to
enhance air circulation, sunlight penetration, and
overall fruit quality. This helps in reducing the risk
of diseases and improves the size and color of the
fruits.
Irrigation Management -
Adequate irrigation is important in the pre-harvest phase to ensure that
the trees are well-hydrated. This contributes to the
development of plump and juicy fruits.
Nutrient Management
Proper fertilization and nutrient management are critical during the pre-
harvest period to support the growth and
development of the fruit. Adjustments in nutrient
levels may be made based on soil and leaf analysis.
Harvesting Equipment and Containers
Ensuring that harvesting equipment and containers are clean and in good
condition is part of the pre-harvest preparation.
Clean tools and containers help maintain the
cleanliness and quality of the harvested fruits.

Harvesting

Harvesting calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) involves careful

consideration of the fruit's maturity, proper handling techniques, and timing. Here
are the key steps involved in harvesting calamansi:

Determining Maturity - Calamansi fruits should be harvested when they have

reached the desired level of maturity. Maturity is often
judged based on the fruit's color, size, and taste. The
 characteristic orange color is a good indicator of
ripeness.

Harvesting tools - Use sharp and clean pruning shears or scissors for
harvesting. This helps in minimizing damage to the fruit
and ensures a clean cut.
Harvesting technique - Hold the fruit carefully and cut the stem just above the
base of the fruit using the harvesting tool. Avoid pulling
or twisting the fruit, as this can damage the tree and
affect the quality of the harvested produce.

Timing of harvesting Harvesting is typically done when the fruits are fully ripe
but still firm. Avoid waiting too long, as overripe fruits
may have reduced quality and may be more prone to
damage during handling.

Post-Harvest
Postharvest management is crucial in the cultivation of calamansi
(Citrofortunella microcarpa) and other fruits. Here are several reasons
why postharvest practices are important for calamansi:

Quality Maintenance
Proper postharvest handling helps maintain the quality of calamansi
fruits. This includes preventing physical damage,
controlling temperature, and minimizing exposure
to pathogens. Maintaining quality is essential for
market acceptability and consumer satisfaction.
Shelf Life Extension
Effective postharvest practices can extend the shelf life of calamansi. This
is vital for farmers and traders as it allows them
more time to transport, market, and sell the
produce. Shelf life extension also reduces
postharvest losses, ensuring a higher return on
investment.
Reduced Postharvest Losses
 Calamansi is susceptible to postharvest losses due to factors such as
mechanical damage, decay, and dehydration.
Implementing proper postharvest management
practices helps minimize these losses, ensuring
that a larger proportion of the harvested fruits
reaches the market in good condition.
Market Access
Consumers prefer fruits that are fresh, free from defects, and have a good
taste. Proper postharvest practices enhance the
marketability of calamansi, enabling farmers to
access a wider range of markets, both locally and
internationally.
Food Safety
Postharvest handling practices also play a role in ensuring the safety of
the fruit for consumption. This involves minimizing
the risk of contamination by pathogens, pesticides,
or other harmful substances during harvesting,
packing, and transportation.

Value Addition
Implementing postharvest technologies can add value to calamansi
products. This may include processes such as
sorting, grading, and packaging, which enhance
the visual appeal and market value of the fruit.
Economic Impact
Calamansi is often grown for commercial purposes, and the economic
impact of the crop depends on the quality and
quantity of the harvest. Effective postharvest
management contributes to higher yields, better
quality, and increased profitability for farmers and
stakeholders in the supply chain.
Sustainability
Sustainable postharvest practices contribute to the overall sustainability
of calamansi production. This includes reducing
waste, conserving resources, and adopting
environmentally friendly technologies.
In summary, proper postharvest management is essential for preserving the quality,
extending the shelf life, reducing losses, accessing markets, ensuring food safety,
adding value, and promoting the overall sustainability and economic viability of
calamansi production.

Common products derived from calamansi

 Calamansi juice
 Calamansi concentrate
 Calamansi marmalade
 Calamansi syrup
 Calamnsi vinegar
 Calamansi liqueur
 Calamansi powder
 Calamansi ice cream
 Calamansi skin care products

Summary
the pre-harvest stage sets the foundation for a successful harvest by ensuring
the crop is healthy, mature, and free from pests and diseases. The harvest phase
involves timely and careful picking, optimizing yield and preserving product quality.
The post-harvest phase is crucial for maintaining quality, extending shelf life,
accessing markets, and adding value to the harvested produce. Together, these
stages contribute to the overall success and sustainability of agricultural practices,
impacting the economic, nutritional, and market aspects of crop cultivation.
PICTURES OF CALAMANSI

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