Discoloration results from exposure of a fruit’s flesh to the air – Prevention: Coat fruits with some form of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – Lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange juice

Characterized by a smooth skin covering an enlarged fleshy area surrounding the core (seeds). Examples: - apples -pears -applepear

Contain a single seed, or the pit, surrounded by a fleshy, juicy, edible portion. Examples: -Peaches -Nectarines -Apricots -Cherries -Plums

Berries have tiny seeds embedded in the flesh and a fragile cell structure. Examples: -Blackberries -Cranberries -Strawberries -Grapes

Citrus fruits have a thick outer rind and a thin membrane that separates the flesh of the fruit into segments. Good source of vitamin C Examples: Grapefruit, orange, tangerine, tangelo, kumquat, lemon, lime, mandarin orange, ugli fruit

Melons are large, juicy fruits with a thick skin and many seeds. Examples: -Watermelon -Cantaloupe -Honeydew -Casaba -Muskmelon

Tropical fruits are grown in warm climates and are considered to be somewhat exotic. Examples: -Banana -Plantain -Mango -Papaya -Pomegranate -Avocado -Pineapple -Kiwi

Won’t ripen after harvest Apples Berries Grapefruit Oranges Pineapples Tangerines Will ripen after harvest Apricots Avocados Bananas Kiwi Mangoes Nectarines Peaches Pears

Vitamins and fiber. Citrus fruits are the best source of vitamin C. Cantaloupe, apricots, and other yellow fruits are good sources of vitamin A =contain carotene.

Canned fruits come packed in juices or in light, heavy, or extra heavy syrups. Juices come in bottles, cartons, cans, or frozen concentrate If label says “juice” the product =100%juice – If not pure juice must be called another name “fruit drink”

Frozen fruits are similar in color and flavor to fresh fruits, but may lose some texture qualities during freezing. Store in the coldest part of the freezer Don’t refreeze

Goal=break down texture Sugar isn’t added until end of cooking – This thins sauce When cooking in water use as little water as possible – Prevents loss of flavor and water soluble nutrients

Most fruits are stored in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator – Citrus and pomes last longer than berries and melons To speed up the ripening process, store fruits at room temperature in a brown paper bag