In this episode we are joined by Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie, professor of postharvest physiology and technology at North Carolina State University and the Plants for Human Health institute. Penny’s research focuses on storage methods to extend shelf life of fruit crops, and studies to determine the role fruit and vegetables have in human health. Penny also evaluates food safety, quality, and consumer-appeal characteristics of fruit crops such as flavor, color, antioxidants, and texture to make sure growers will have better quality produce for high-value markets. She came on the podcast today to discuss work she has done in blackberry and other small fruit crops and specifically her work in maximizing the quality of fruit and minimizing post-harvest losses by employing different harvest timing, cooling, and handling strategies for small fruits.