Fresh fruit: microstructure, texture, and quality

Delilah F. Wood; Syed H. Imam; William J. Orts; Gregory M. Glenn

doi:10.1117/12.821351

22 May 2009 Fresh fruit: microstructure, texture, and quality

Delilah F. Wood, Syed H. Imam, William J. Orts, Gregory M. Glenn

Proceedings Volume 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009; 73781J (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821351
Event: SPIE Scanning Microscopy, 2009, Monterey, California, United States

Abstract

Fresh-cut produce has a huge following in today's supermarkets. The trend follows the need to decrease preparation time as well as the desire to follow the current health guidelines for consumption of more whole "heart-healthy" foods. Additionally, consumers are able to enjoy a variety of fresh produce regardless of the local season because produce is now shipped world-wide. However, most fruits decompose rapidly once their natural packaging has been disrupted by cutting. In addition, some intact fruits have limited shelf-life which, in turn, limits shipping and storage. Therefore, a basic understanding of how produce microstructure relates to texture and how microstructure changes as quality deteriorates is needed to ensure the best quality in the both the fresh-cut and the fresh produce markets. Similarities between different types of produce include desiccation intolerance which produces wrinkling of the outer layers, cracking of the cuticle and increased susceptibility to pathogen invasion. Specific examples of fresh produce and their corresponding ripening and storage issues, and degradation are shown in scanning electron micrographs.

Citation Download Citation

Delilah F. Wood, Syed H. Imam, William J. Orts, and Gregory M. Glenn "Fresh fruit: microstructure, texture, and quality", Proc. SPIE 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009, 73781J (22 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821351

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available