Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are processed in a wide range of ways, from little or no processing except cleaning and cooling to high-temperature retorting in metal, glass, and plastic containers. The products, starting with the same raw material, can vary widely in flavor, color, and texture. Asparagus, peas, and peaches are good examples of foods available in several fresh and processed forms, which are recognizable but clearly different from each other. Depending on people’s preferences, each product…