How to measure the freshness of Vegetables and Fruits by Look or taste?
Since 2017, I have been getting one common feedback/complaint from my customers.
"Shop for Change claims vegetables are directly coming from farmers. Still, they do not look as fresh as we see at our nearby vendors."
Unfortunately, the entire supply chain industry extends its shelf life. Freshness is only limited to arriving at the sellable value of the product. Presentation and aesthetics are considered as top selling points of fresh produce.
There is no weightage given to the nutrient value of fresh farm produce in the entire supply chain. Hence I decided to do some research on the topic of nutrient value. Although I could find very few references, I am sharing them with you.
As Spinach is considered a Nutrition, Rich Leafy Vegetable, I decided to study the same.
First, I will share my personal experience.
I am staying at Borivali. Like all other customers, my vegetables also get delivered in the evening. This means delivery is happening post 24 hours of harvesting. So the vegetables that reach our Dombivali office at night gets delivered to my house the next day by evening. Look wise, the Spinach is a bit dull, and maybe some people call it wilted. I told my family members to overlook the look of vegetables and accept them as it is. Initially, they were not ready to take that. Still, slowly and steadily, they got my condition when they realised the difference in the taste of vegetables.
Now let's Understand what research papers Claim!
"An attractive appearance does not mean that the Spinach is still rich in nutrients. Spinach is prized because of its high nutrient content, particularly folate and carotenoids.
Folate is a vitamin B compound, responsible for producing and maintaining new cells in the body."
"Some people think that if the product looks good, it has nutrients," Researcher Said. "So people will spray some ice water on the spinach to fluff it up to look nice."
The researcher noted this action is not practical because of the irreversible nutrient loss.
Although I am not a science student, still with the help of Google, I could understand what happens when someone sprays the water on vegetables or fruits.
Rigid cellulose walls surround plant cells (unlike animal cells). However, plant cells still take in water by osmosis when placed in pure water. However, plant cells do not burst because their cellulose cell walls limit how much water can move in. The cell walls exert pressure, called turgor pressure, as the cells take up water.
If we now understand this process scientifically, one must realise that such water spraying can open the chances of contamination of microorganisms. Also, it opens the possibilities of allowing microorganisms to enter the plant tissues.
So after going through this entire study and speaking with farmers realised that spraying of water is for two reasons:
To maintain the looks of vegetables.
To avoid weight loss: All vegetables tend to have weight loss due to natural dehydration. e.g. Spinach weight at night and then in the morning will have less weight loss as the outside temperature is comparatively less and no direct sunlight is available. The exact process is done in the morning and repeated in the evening. There will be a good amount of weight loss due to direct sunlight during the daytime and increased temperature.
Our decision not to spray water and try something that will improve the sellable value of the product aesthetically results in customers stopping ordering with us. Still, we are okay with it because those who joined hands with us decided to accept that they experienced immense health benefits from eating such fruits and vegetables.
If one follows a 100% organic life, he will live a happy and healthy life whatever time he lives on this earth.
Organic means acceptance. Organic means gratitude. Organic is not for nature; it's for Humans. Nature was in existence before us and will remain after us; only our small acts will help us stay happy and healthy.
