Product and quality characteristics for predictive purposes: A case for cold storage of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

Reliable product characteristics are needed for the prediction of shelf life by mathematical models in the post-harvest sector. Exact knowledge of the nature of changes during ripening and storage in refrigerated storage is essential. Authors investigated physical, chemical and biological changes of field-grown, autumn-harvested food grade potato (cultivar Kondor) as a function of temperature and storage time and the market quality was determined by visual assessment. Most of the investigations were preceded by sampling and methodological examinations. The most appropriate characteristics for the predictive modelling were: water soluble solids content, total starch content, weight loss during storage, marketability of the product (visually assessed) and texture parameters: acoustic firmness factor and bio-yield (by Instron Universal Testing Machine). Components of complex impedance, except for some cases, would be unreliable factors in model creation