Evaluation of Fruit Wastage at Portuguese Homes

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2012

Authors

Martins, Margarida Liz (Author) FCNAUP; Sampaio, J. (Author) Other; Rocha, Ada (Author) FCNAUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Acta Horticulturae, Vol.934 (IHC2010)

Pages: 111-115

28th International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC) / International Symposium on Postharvest Technology in the Global Market

Lisboa, 22 a 27 de Agosto de 2010

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

CORDIS: Health sciences

Other information

Abstract (EN): Fruit intake is an important part of a healthy diet and it is associated with numerous positive health outcomes. These include reduced risk of chronic diseases and benefits to weight management. A diet including regular amounts of fruit will provide antioxidants to help preventing free radicals from damaging the human body. It is well known that consumption of fruit in Portugal does not meet the international recommendations. Although several studies have already been developed concerning fruit consumption, there are few investigations focusing on the waste of fruit at homes. This study aims to assess the waste of fruit at consumers' homes in the north of Portugal. This investigation was followed by an online survey of 160 consumers randomly selected, which provided information on availability of fruit at homes, duration and place of storage at home, and frequency of fruit discard. Apples, pears, bananas and citrus were the varieties more frequently available at Portuguese homes at the moment of questioning, and also referred to as the ones that more frequently deteriorate. Fruit shelf life at home is strictly determined by the maturity stage at the moment of acquisition. The frequency of fruit purchases is weekly. Results obtained on this study showed that consumers throw away fruit frequently. Fruit waste indicates that many consumers may fail to eat the quantity of fruit they anticipate they should eat during the week. Strategies should be developed to reduce fruit wastage at home, namely by informing consumers about specifications of storage for different fruit varieties as well as about the expected shelf life at home.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: <a href="http://gateway.isiknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcAuth=Alerting&SrcApp=Alerting&DestApp=WOS&DestLinkType=FullRecord&KeyUT=000314776200011">Indexado na ISI Web of Science</a>