The level of a particular phytochemical in different fruit and vegetables varies according to cultivar. In addition to cultivar variation, climatic conditions, growing locations, agronomic factors, harvest factors (including maturity stage) also significantly influence the level of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables. Apart from these pre-harvest factors, various post-harvest stages, including food-processing operations, also have a major influence on the stability of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables and their products.