Minimal processing of lettuce

In the fast changing world, the trend of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption is increasing. Different organizations like WHO, FAO, USDA, EFSA and ICMR recommend the increasing fruit & vegetable consumption. The consumption of fruits and vegetables results in the alleviation of many degenerative diseases including cardiovascular disease cancer & ageing. Fresh-cut fruits & vegetables emerged to fulfill consumer¿s new demands of healthy palatable and easy to prepare plant food. Fresh-cut products due to their convenience are commonly consumed directly from the bags without any further rinse.The fresh cut ready to use fruit and vegetable industry is constantly growing at faster rate of 10 per cent per annum mainly due to the consumer¿s tendency of health consciousness and their increasing interest in the role of fresh, healthy and convenient food for maintaining and improving human well-being. This beneficial effect has been attributed to non-essential food constituents, phytonutrients that pose a relevant bioactivity when frequently consumed as a part of regular diet.