Although an extensive range of minimally processed vegetables
have been offered to consumers for many years, the market for
minimally processed fruits is economically less important, even
though it has an interesting potential for growth, as fruits are
relevant sources of vitamins, minerals, sugars and organic acids. In
fact, fresh-cut fruit is being offered as an alternative to whole fruits
in restaurants, supermarkets and in caterings (e.g. airline travel).
Fresh-cut apples were the first kind of fresh-cut fruit to appear in
the Portuguese market and presently are available in restaurants
and supermarkets, thus contributing to a healthier dessert alternative
to sweets, especially for children.