I first tasted a feijoa (fay-zho-uh, or pineapple guava) as a student here at UC Davis many years ago. A friend showed me her secret trees (south side of Wellman in Davis — tons on the ground right now!), and I was hooked. I didn’t think much of it at the time, other than thinking this is one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. It tastes better than candy, and ripens right around Halloween - sweet!  I had never seen or heard of a feijoa. You likely haven’t either, so I’m writing to introduce you.

First a little history. This subtropical plant originated in the higher altitude regions of central South America, but has since been introduced and grown...

Postharvest technology. Hmmm. What does that even mean to you?  Like most people, you’ve probably never thought about it, but it actually affects you every day. At least whenever you eat fruits and vegetables, and let’s face it, we all need to be eating more fruits and vegetables. 

Working at the Postharvest Technology Center, I often think about how to spread our mission of how to reduce postharvest losses and improve the quality, safety and marketability of fresh horticultural products. Part of doing this is educating consumers about making good choices so they have a better experience eating fruits and vegetables. And, if consumers have a better experience with fruits and vegetables, we eat more of them....

There is a wide schism between the sleek mechanical harvesting machines that briskly traverse California’s fertile croplands versus the field worker with a machete and head-basket, or possibly a donkey laden with woven baskets, that is still most commonly found in many nations.

Produce loss continues to be a significant problem.  Worldwide, it is estimated that as much as one-third of the produce grown is never consumed by humans  (Kader, 2005).  Many logistical challenges contribute to this loss, including: ineffective or absent cooling systems, slow and rough transportation, physical damage from rough handling, and poor sanitation conditions.

In...

In late April, Dr. Adel Kader was the recipient of an honorary doctorate awarded by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, Spain.  He was honored for his lifelong research efforts to "improve the lives of millions of people" through his work to reduce postharvest losses, thereby increasing food availability.  Dr. Kader is also passionate about growing fruit that tastes and looks good, and also maintaining those qualities for as long as possible after it is harvested.

The academic dress for the Polytecnic University's ceremony was very formal, requiring a special gown, cape, gloves, and hat. Also receiving an honorary doctorate was Gustavo Barbosa, a professor of food engineering from Washington State University in Pullman,...