Question

Why is there a need to preserve fruits and vegetables ?

Hint:

Tip: Proper packaging and cold storage are also key to preserving freshness and quality.

Answer 1

Preserving fruits and vegetables is necessary for many reasons, especially in a country like India which is the second-largest producer of horticultural crops.
1. Prevents spoilage: Fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities with high moisture content, making them highly prone to spoilage by microorganisms and physical damage.
Without preservation, a significant portion of produce is wasted during post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation.
2. Ensures year-round availability: Preservation methods like canning, drying, freezing, and pickling help extend the shelf life of seasonal produce.
This ensures that consumers have access to nutritious fruits and vegetables throughout the year, even when they are not in season.
3. Adds value and income: Processing and preservation convert surplus and low-grade produce into value-added products like jams, jellies, pickles, squashes, and dried fruits.
This helps farmers and entrepreneurs earn better returns and reduces economic losses due to market gluts.
4. Enhances food security: Preserved fruits and vegetables contribute to food security by bridging gaps between production and consumption periods.
They also support rural employment and development of agro-based industries.
Overall, preservation is vital for minimizing wastage, stabilizing prices, and ensuring a steady supply of healthy foods to consumers.