Product Preparation
Minimal processing may occur in a "direct chain" of preparation and handling in which
the product is processed, distributed, and then marketed or utilized. Many products are
also handled in an "interrupted chain" in which the product may be stored before or after
processing or may be processed to different degrees at different locations. Because of this
variation in time and point of processing, it would be useful to be able to evaluate the
quality of the raw material and predict the shelf life of the processed product.
Minimally processed products may be prepared at the source of production or at regional
and local processors. Whether a product may be processed at source or locally depends on
the perishability of the processed form relative to the intact form, and on the quality
required for the designated use of the product. Processing has shifted from destination
(local) to source processors as improvements m equipment, modified atmosphere
packaging, and temperature management have become available.