Factors influencing levels of phytochemicals
Fruit and vegetables can be either consumed raw or after suitable processing. Both raw and processed fruit and vegetables contain varying levels of phytochemicals (Table 1). Variations in the level and type of phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetable largely depend on the biosynthetic pathway during plant growth and development. Biosynthetic pathway is regulated by several enzymes as shown in Fig. 2. Within the farm-to-fork chain several factors during pre- and postharvest stages can influence the level of phytochemicals in finished products. Fig. 3 outlines the main factors impacting the level of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables from pre- and post-harvest processing, including different food operations.