The market quality of avocados depends directly on the quality at harvest and this is closely related to proper production practices and weather conditions, the character of the specific cultivar and the stage of maturity of the fruit at time of picking. Maintenance of quality after harvest is associated with a number of handling factors some of which include storage time, temperature, relative humidity and modified or controlled atmospheres. Careful handling from grove to consumer is of utmost importance to avoid injuring the fruit.