What is the term for the loss of moisture from fresh fruits and vegetables?

• A. Transpiration
• B. Respiration
• C. Osmosis
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (A)

Transpiration is the loss of moisture from fresh fruits and vegetables. It describes water that is absorbed by the plant being pulled to the surface and evaporating as water vapor, mainly through the stomata and the cuticle on plant tissues. This is the main way produce loses water after harvest, especially in warm, dry, or breezy storage conditions, leading to weight loss and shrinkage. Evaporation is a general physical process of liquid water turning to vapor, but transpiration specifically refers to the plant-driven moisture loss from its surfaces. Osmosis involves water movement across membranes due to concentration differences and isn’t about losing water to the surrounding air, while respiration is the metabolic process that uses sugars to release energy and water as a byproduct, not the primary moisture loss mechanism in stored produce.