Bruising and compression injury are very common when attention to careful harvest and handling practices are not followed. Eggplant cannot withstand stacking in bulk containers. Pathological Disorders Diseases are an important source of postharvest loss, particularly in combination with chilling stress. Special Considerations Rapid cooling, primarily to reduce water loss, soon after harvest is essential for optimal postharvest keeping quality. Forced-air cooling is the most effective practice.
Room cooling after washing or hydrocooling is the most common practice.
Moistened paper or waxed cartons are often used to reduce water loss. Japanese eggplants lose water 3 times more rapidly than American-type eggplants. Visible signs of water loss are reduction of surface sheen, skin wrinkling, spongy flesh, and browning of the caylx. Chilling injury and water loss can be reduced by storing of eggplant in polyethylene bags or polymeric film overwraps. Increased decay from Botrytis is a potential risk of this practice.