Why are fresh fruits and vegetables sprinkled with water at the supermarket?

Question

Why are fresh fruits and vegetables sprinkled with water at the supermarket?

Answer 1

From the minute the product (fruits/veggies) are picked they begin decomposing.
One way to slow down the process is refrigeration.
Another way is evaporation. By spraying the product with water it cools it down by the evaporation of water off the product.
Yes the other answers are true too.


U.P.

Answer 2

cooling is the first step in good temperature management.
Preventing moisture loss

While temperature is the primary concern in the storage of fruits and vegetables, relative humidity is also important. The relative humidity of the storage unit directly influences water loss in produce. Water loss can severely degrade quality-for instance, wilted greens may require excessive trimming, and grapes may shatter loose from clusters if their stems dry out. Water loss means salable weight loss and reduced profit .
Most fruit and vegetable crops retain better quality at high relative humidity (80 to 95%), but at this humidity, disease growth is encouraged. The cool temperatures in storage rooms help to reduce disease growth, but sanitation and other preventative methods are also required. Maintaining high relative humidity in storage is complicated by the fact that refrigeration removes moisture. Humidification devices such as spinning disc aspirators may be used. Even buckets of water will increase humidity as the fans blow air across the water's surface and increase evaporation . Keeping the floor wet is helpful, though messy and potentially hazardous to two-legged creatures; frequent cleansing with a weak chlorine solution will be needed to prevent harboring of disease organisms in water and produce scraps on the floor. Crops that can tolerate direct contact with water may be sprinkled to promote high relative humidity .

Answer 3

To keep them fresh and hydrated. Like humans vegetables get thirsty too!

Answer 4

to keep them clean and fresh for the person who purchases it plus the fact so many ppl touched the veges and fruit and they are still growing

Answer 5

come on! To keep them looking fresh

Answer 6

To keep the fresh and to add to their weight.

Answer 7

So they wont rot to fast I guess...I also because they might want the customers to get them because they might think they are VERY fresh!

Answer 8

Cos they look fresher this way, and then when you go weigh them to pay, they are heavier. It is incredibly irritating isn't it?

Answer 9

so they remain fresh

Answer 10

to make them look more appealing