Market forms of vegetables

1. Market forms of
Vegetables

2. Knowing the different market forms of
vegetables can also help in deciding which
vegetables to by and prepare. Vegetables
available in the market can be fresh, frozen,
dried, or canned.

3. 1. FRESH
Fresh vegetables are vegetables that have
undergone little or no processing from the time they
were harvested to the time they were marketed or
sold. In general, they remain in the same state as
when they were harvested. Fresh vegetables – and
fruits, as well – are often referred to as produce and
are typically sold in markets, grocery stores and
supermarkets, and roadside stalls, as well as in
farmer’s markets and at vegetable farms. Some
fresh vegetables, like salad greens, are sold in
plastic bags, boxes, and other containers in stores.

6. 2. FROZEN
Frozen vegetables are commercially packaged in plastic bags or
cardboard boxes. Typically, vegetables are frozen within hours of
harvest, but they undergo several steps that ensure their quality
before the actual freezing process. First, they are washed
thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris, as well as any chemicals
that have been used such as pesticides and fertilizers. Then, they
are often blanched, or cooked quickly in boiling water, and then
shocked in ice water to stop the cooking process. The vegetables
are then sorted and inspected, so as to get rid of any vegetables
that are not fit for consumption. Lastly, they are packaged and
shipped off to wholesalers and distributors, as well as
supermarkets and grocery stores.

9. 3. Dried
Drying or dehydrating preserves vegetables
and prolongs their shelf life. Removing water
from vegetables inhibits the growth of
bacteria, yeasts and molds that can otherwise
promote spoilage and rot in vegetables. Dried
vegetables sold in markets and groceries are
dehydrated using different methods such as
freeze drying, drum drying, air drying and sun
drying.

12. 4. Canned
Like freezing and drying, canning is a method of food
preservation. It helps make vegetables last longer. Also,
like the other two methods, canning makes cooking with
vegetables easier and more convenient, as using
canned vegetables instead of fresh ones eliminates
several steps in food preparation.
Before vegetables or any other food are canned, they
undergo some form of processing. Heat is first applied to
the vegetables to kill any harmful microorganisms before
they are sealed in airtight containers such as cans or
jars. The canned items are then heated under steam
pressure before being packed into boxes or crates.