Grocery store owners spray fresh fruits and vegetables with water?

[Constance03]

Why do grocery store owners spray fresh fruits and vegetables with water?

 

[Evo]

To keep them from wilting.

"In nature plants maintain a water balance by constantly replacing water
lost to the atmosphere by water absorbed by the roots. If water loss
exceeds water replacement, the plant wilts. Harvested produce, whole to
partial plants, have no means of replacing water lost and they quickly
wilt. Leafy vegetables like lettuce & spinach would wilt fastest. Waxy
skinned vegetables like cabbage and fruits like cucumber and apples will
wilt most slowly. To keep produce firm and fresh, they are sprayed with
water. Vegetables like potatoes and onions have skins that retard water
loss so well they don't need spraying."

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/oct2001/1002742842.Gb.r.html

 

[ravenprp]

Grocery store owners spray fresh fruits and vegetables with water for a few reasons. First, it helps to keep the produce looking fresh and appealing to customers. The water adds moisture to the fruits and vegetables, making them look plump and vibrant. This can also help to prevent wilting and discoloration, which can make the produce look less desirable.

Second, spraying water on produce can help to prolong its shelf life. By keeping the fruits and vegetables hydrated, they are less likely to dry out and spoil quickly. This can save the store money by reducing food waste and ensuring that the produce stays fresh for longer.

Lastly, spraying water on produce can help to remove any dirt or residue that may be on the surface. This can make the fruits and vegetables more visually appealing to customers and also ensure that they are clean and safe to eat.

Overall, spraying water on fresh fruits and vegetables is a common practice in grocery stores to maintain the quality and appearance of the produce and ensure customer satisfaction.