South Africa is one of the world’s top exporters of citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, mandarins, and grapefruits. With growing international demand, especially from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, proper post-harvest handling is essential to ensure that fruit arrives in global markets in excellent condition. Mishandling can lead to spoilage, quality downgrades, and significant financial losses.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to effective post-harvest handling of citrus fruits for export, designed to help producers and packers maintain fruit quality and meet export standards.
1. Harvesting at the Right Maturity Stage
Timing is critical. Citrus fruits should be harvested when they reach optimal maturity—not too early and not too late.
- Colour development and sugar-acid balance are key indicators.
- Use tools like refractometers to test total soluble solids (TSS) and acid titration kits to measure acidity.
- Avoid harvesting during or immediately after rain to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
2. Gentle Harvesting Practices
Citrus fruit bruises easily. Damaged skin is more susceptible to decay and is often rejected by export markets.
- Use clipping tools rather than pulling fruit off the tree to avoid tearing the skin or stem end.
- Place fruits in padded picking bags and avoid overfilling to prevent pressure damage.
- Empty bags gently into bins lined with foam or soft material.
3. Field Heat Removal and Pre-Cooling
Rapid cooling after harvest helps preserve quality by slowing down respiration and microbial growth.
- Transport harvested fruit to packhouses as soon as possible—preferably within 4–6 hours.
- Use forced-air cooling systems to reduce pulp temperature to export standards (usually between 4°C and 8°C, depending on the variety and destination).
4. Cleaning and Sorting
At the packhouse, fruit goes through several steps to ensure cleanliness and uniformity.
- Washing removes dirt, debris, and pesticide residues.
- Drying tunnels remove surface moisture to prevent fungal infections.
- Electronic or manual sorting separates fruit by size, colour, and visible defects.
5. Post-Harvest Treatments
To meet phytosanitary and cosmetic standards, exporters often use safe, approved treatments:
- Fungicide dips or sprays (like imazalil or thiabendazole) help prevent post-harvest diseases like green mould and sour rot.
- Wax coatings reduce moisture loss and enhance fruit appearance, extending shelf life.
- Degreening (in controlled environments) may be applied to achieve uniform skin colour, especially for early-season exports.
6. Grading and Packing
Uniformity and visual appeal are important for international buyers.
- Grade fruit according to size, shape, and skin condition using national or international standards (e.g., EU, CODEX).
- Use strong, well-ventilated cartons or crates with appropriate liners.
- Clearly label boxes with required traceability information: farm name, pack date, variety, and export code.
7. Cold Chain Management
Maintaining the cold chain from packhouse to port to market is critical.
- Store packed fruit in cold rooms until shipment.
- Monitor temperatures during transport and shipping using data loggers.
- Avoid breaks in the cold chain to prevent chilling injury or microbial outbreaks.
8. Compliance with Export Regulations
Exporters must comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the destination country.
- Secure phytosanitary certificates from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
- Meet residue limits, packaging, and labelling standards specific to each market.
- Stay informed on market access protocols, especially for countries with strict quarantine rules.
Successful citrus export begins after the fruit is harvested. From proper picking techniques to precise temperature control, every step in the post-harvest chain influences the final quality and marketability of citrus fruits. By following best practices and staying aligned with export standards, South African citrus growers and exporters can preserve fruit quality, reduce losses, and maintain a competitive edge in global markets.
