NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Are Fresh-cut Products As Nutritious As Whole Produce?
There has been significant research to study
nutritional
values of fresh-cut produce.
Overall,
the steps that preserve freshness also preserve the
nutritional value of
fresh-cut
fruits and
vegetables.
Just like consumers at home, fresh-cut processors
must store and handle the product properly
prior
to processing to ensure freshness and nutritional
values are maintained. Based on recent
research,
processors
of
fresh-cut fruits and vegetables use
the freshest produce
available for
processing,
and
they maintain the product at
proper temperatures
to avoid spoilage or chilling
injury.
Processors also know which varieties of fruits and
vegetables
are best for
processing and
choose accordingly.
Produce companies providing fresh-cut products
have worked with retailers and
food service
operators to ensure that once the product leaves
their facility, it is handled properly to maintain
its
nutritional value and freshness. Again, consumers
can do
their part by keeping the product
properly
refrigerate and discarding it after the
“use by”
date expires.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans calls for all Americans to eat more nutrient-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables can be great sources of the following important nutrients. Click the links to see a list of fruits & veggies that carry the label of "high" and "good" sources for these nutrients.
