Fruits and Vegetables
In general, many fresh commodities must necessarily be shipped in firm condition,
such as pears, avocados and tomatoes. Better retailers are conditioning these
products to just the stage of ripeness the consumer likes - by the time they
arrive at the point of sale.
In general, never cut a fruit or vegetable until it is ready to eat. Another
general rule-of-thumb; never attempt to cause the ripening of a product while
under refrigeration. Ripen first, then refrigerate.
Buy mature fruit. A green peach or nectarine, for example, will not ripen but
merely soften some and wither. A cantaloupe picked too green will soften but
will not be sweet and juicy. Some commodities do not gain sugar after harvest,
because they have no reserve starch for conversion to sugar. On the
other hand, bananas and pears gain sugar as well as tenderness after harvest.
Handle with care. Fresh fruits and vegetables, because of their
perishability, require constant attention to keep their fresh appearance. The
less you handle them when purchasing, or in the home, the longer their life.
Don't pinch, squeeze or poke them., for bruising leads to damage and damage
results in more spoilage for you or your retailer.
Tips a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p r s t u v w y z