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Many hundreds of fruits,including fleshy fruits (like apple,kiwifruit,mango,peach,pear,and watermelon) are commercially valuable as human food,eaten both fresh and as jams,marmalade and other preserves.Fruits are also used in manufactured foods (e.g.,cakes,cookies,ice cream,muffins,or yogurt) or beverages,such as fruit juices (e.g.,apple juice,grape juice,or orange juice) or alcoholic beverages (e.g.,brandy,fruit beer,or wine).Fruits are also used for gift giving,e.g.,in the form of Fruit Baskets and Fruit Bouquets.Fresh fruits are generally high in fi ber,vitamin C,and water.Regular consumption of fruit is generally associated with reduced risks of several diseases and functional declines associated with aging.

All fruits benefi t from proper post harvest care,and in many fruits,the plant hormone ethylene causes ripening.Therefore,maintaining most fruits in an effi cient cold chain is optimal for post harvest storage,with the aim of extending and ensuring shelf life.