How Do Fruit and Vegetables Stay Healthy?

The quality control of agricultural products does not end with their harvest. This is especially true for fruit and vegetables that are not directly processed because the condition of the fruit changes during storage and transport. During harvesting, the fruit is separated from the plant, and therefore no longer receives water and nutrients. At the same time, more water is lost through evaporation: a decay process begins that makes the goods more susceptible to pests and ultimately spoiling. Researchers are looking for ways to assess the “state of health” of fruit and vegetables quickly and automatically in order to keep the yield of harvested food as high as possible.