High Fruit Quality Research Articles

Packaging effects on highly nutritional value beverage obtained by a mix of typical sicilian fruits in accelerated storage

Consumers' knowledge has been improved and now they are aware of the importance of consuming healthy food. They know how food and beverages are linked with the proper functioning of their body, so are always more drawn towards consuming healthy products with high nutritional value. The new challenge for soft drink producers is the increasing interest in high nutritive quality products. Therefore such high-quality fruit juice is required to meet consumer needs, but also to ensure safety aspects in order to prolong shelf life. The aim of this research was to understand the most suitable packaging through experimental research to preserve over time the chemical-physical characteristics of a beverage with a high nutritional value obtained by mixing blood orange, pomegranate, and prickly pear juices. The three types of stand-up pouches tested were respectively transparent packaging (PT) (PET/OPA/PE), metalized packaging (PM) (PET/ALU/PET/PE), and totally recyclable packaging (PR) (OPP/OPP/PP). On stand-up pouches, weight loss (%), color intensity, browning index (BI), anthocyanin content (mg/L), total phenols, antioxidant activity (%), and flavonoids were monitored during storage at +45 °C, 65 % RH for accelerated ageing. Results have shown that PR performances were good, it kept high qualitative characteristics among the packaging tested it is the advisable best packaging solution because it certainly offers a valid alternative in terms of performance and a lower environmental impact compared to PM or to traditional packaging (glass), thus representing a more sustainable, effective and innovative choice.

Effects of Ultrasonication and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Quality of Ready-to-Eat Pomegranate Arils

The demand for ready-to-eat pomegranate arils has increased due to the high nutritional value and quality of this valuable fruit. However, the shelf life of arils is short. Therefore, we examined the effect of ultrasonication treatment (35 kHz power) for varying times (5, 10, and 15 min) at 25 °C, and their combination with different packaging types, i.e., vacuum and passive modified atmosphere packaging (passive MAP), on the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of pomegranate arils. The results showed that the combined treatment of ultrasonic and vacuum packaging leads to improving pomegranate arils’ quality and shelf life. The treatments significantly reduced weight loss (30%) and decay (16%) compared to the control. At the end of the storage time, the lowest bacterial count (0.25 log CFU/g) and the lowest yeast and mold count (0.37 log CFU/g) were obtained in ultrasound-treated arils for 15 min that were vacuum packed. In addition, they preserved the total soluble solids, titratable acidity, antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, and anthocyanin, leading to improving the organoleptic properties of arils. However, in terms of taste and overall quality, greater scores were recorded by panelists in vacuum-packed arils than in passive MAP. Overall, arils that were treated with ultrasound for 10 min and then vacuum packed had the best results compared to the control and other combination treatments.

Influence of pollination treatments and temperature regimes on progamic phase and fruit set in three European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cultivars tollerant/resistant to Sharka virus

Pollination and temperature are predominant factors affecting the progamic phase of sexual plant reproduction. In light of climate change and the emergence of increasing temperatures, new knowledge is necessary to encourage fruit breeding programmes to develop cultivars adapted to these changes, as well as to find the best incompatibility relationships with the aim of achieving high fruit quality and yield. This research was conducted to reveal the effect of pollination treatments and temperature on the progamic phase and fruit set in three European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cultivars (‘Jojo’, ‘Hanita’ and ‘Katinka’) resistant/tolerant to Sharka virus using fluorescent microscopy. Reproductive parameters (flowering overlapping, pollen germination, number of pollen tubes in the upper part of the style and locule of the ovary, dynamics of pollen tubes growth and initial and final fruit set) were investigated in vivo under different pollination treatments (cross, open and self-pollination). The influence of different temperature regimes (20 °C, 23 °C and 26 °C) on the progamic phase was also observed under cross and self-pollination. The pollination treatments significantly influenced the number of pollen tubes in the style and ovary, as well as dynamics of pollen tubes in different regions of pistil. Pollen tubes showed better growth in different crossing combinations compared to open and self-pollination. Higher temperatures accelerated pollen tube growth and reduced the time they need to reach ovules. Generally, ‘Jojo’ appeared to be the best pollenizer among the examined cultivars, while ‘Katinka’ exhibited the best response of pollen tube growth to various temperature regimes. The differences observed between growth of the pollen tubes in each genotype-temperature combination revealed that certain crossing combinations were better adapted to higher temperatures so this can be taken into account as one of the adjustments to climate change. The ability of cultivars to respond to high temperatures in the progamic phase can also be helpful for breeding programs in developing new cultivars better adapted to different temperature conditions.

Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the Water Footprint in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020

Xinjiang is home to one of the most serious resource-based water shortages, and at the same time, it is an important main production area of grain, cotton, and high-quality fruits and vegetables in China, placing a heavy burden on water resources. Based on this, this paper determines the basic condition of water resources in regions of Xinjiang using the water footprint method. It then identifies the drivers of water footprint changes using the population scale effect, policy support effect, investment–output effect, economic structure effect, water use efficiency effect, and water use structure effect via the LMDI decomposition model. Finally, this paper illustrates the trajectory of the regional water footprint through individual stochastic convergence. This study found the following: (1) The water footprint of Xinjiang showed a fluctuating upward trend, and the total water footprint varied significantly between regions. From a compositional standpoint, most regions were dominated by the agricultural water footprint, while spatially, the regional water footprint had a high distribution trend in the south and a low distribution in the north. (2) The driving effects of the water footprint, policy support, population scale, and water use structure were incremental, while the effects of water use efficiency, economic structure, and investment output were decremental. (3) Most regions in Xinjiang showed individual stochastic convergence trends, indicating that regions converged to their respective compensating difference equilibrium levels. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen R&D and the promotion of water use technology, further optimize the industrial structure, and leverage the positive effect of government investment to alleviate the regional water constraint dilemma and promote high-quality regional economic development.

Transcriptomic landscape of tomato traditional long shelf-life landraces under low water regimes

‘Corbarino’ (COR) and ‘Lucariello’ (LUC) belong to the family of Mediterranean long shelf-life tomato landraces, producing high quality fruits under low water input cultivation regime in their traditional cultivation area. Understanding the morpho-physiological and molecular details of the peculiar drought stress tolerance of these two genotypes may be key to their valorization as breeding material. RNA sequencing of leaf samples of COR and LUC subjected to drought stress by water withholding in a semi-controlled greenhouse identified 3089 and 2135 differentially expressed genes respectively. These included COR- and LUC-specific annotated genes, as well as genes containing single nucleotide polymorphisms as compared to reference genome. Enriched Gene Ontology categories showed that categories such as response to water, oxidoreductase activity, nucleotide salvation and lipid biosynthesis-related processes were enriched among up-regulated DEGs. By contrast, growth and photosynthesis related genes were down-regulated after drought stress, consistent with leaf gas exchange and biomass accumulation measurements. Genes encoding cell wall degrading enzymes of the pectinase family were also down-regulated in drought stress conditions and upregulated in rewatering, indicating that cell wall composition/hardness is important for drought stress responses. Globally our results contribute to understanding the transcriptomic and physiological responses of representative tomato genotypes from Southern Italy, highlighting a promising set of genes to be investigated to improve tomato tolerance to drought.

Effects of Harvest Maturity on Storability, Ripening Dynamics, and Fruit Quality of ‘Geneva 3’ Kiwiberries

Maturity at harvest is an important determinant of fruit quality in kiwiberry [Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.], a climacteric fruit that is harvested after reaching physiological maturity but not yet ready-to-eat ripeness. Although a recommended cultivar for commercial kiwiberry producers in the northeastern United States is ‘Geneva 3’, no published research exists regarding recommended harvest and postharvest practices for this variety. In this study, conducted across two seasons, ‘Geneva 3’ kiwiberries were harvested at a range of mean maturities (6.5, 8.0, and 10.0°Brix), held in cold storage for various durations (4, 6, and 8 weeks), and then ripened at room temperature. At regular time points during ripening (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days), visual quality was assessed, and measurements were taken of soluble solids content, dry matter content, and firmness as a means of characterizing fruit quality. Results show that berries harvested at 6.5°Brix largely became visually unacceptable under cold storage conditions and resulted in lower overall quality fruit. Harvesting at 8.0°Brix resulted in high-quality fruit amenable to cold storage, and such quality was not enhanced by delaying harvest to 10.0°Brix. Fruit harvested at 8.0°Brix after 4 weeks in cold storage was found to be acceptable for consumption for, on average, a 3-day window after ripening at room temperature for 4 days. After 6 weeks in cold storage, the consumability window shortened to ∼2 days, starting after 3 days of ripening at room temperature. After 8 weeks in cold storage, the fruit were found to be largely visually unacceptable for fresh eating. In summary, the results indicate that harvesting ‘Geneva 3’ kiwiberries at 8.0°Brix produces berries with the greatest storability (at least 6 weeks in cold storage), the longest window of peak consumability, and the highest overall quality, while mitigating the risks associated with leaving physiologically mature fruit to ripen further in the field.

Fruit Grading System for Feature Extraction and Quality Evaluation by Image Processing Technique

Abstract: Since no deep learning fruit grading system based on digital photos has been devised, there hasn't been much progress made in determining whether or not fruit is fresh. The goal of this study is to develop methods for decreasing wasted fruit. The agriculture industry in India is crucial to the nation's economy. High quality fruit is in high demand, making fruit grading an important aspect of the agricultural industry. However, grading fruit by hand requires a lot of time and effort and is prone to mistakes. The time you spend with automatic grading is well spent. On both domestic and foreign markets, you may find a plethora of fruit. Due to their delicate nature, fruits need extra care throughout the grading process. Automation is much sought after in agricultural research with the aim of evaluating crop quality. If a country's fruits, vegetables, and harvests are of higher quality, it may see an increase in output and GDP

Automation of Fruit Sorting Process Using Conveyor Belt System

Abstract: Fruit sorting is an important step in the fruit industry since it ensures that only high-quality fruits are sold. Manual sorting takes time, is labour-intensive, and is prone to human error. The use of a conveyor belt system with machine vision to automate the sorting process can increase the efficiency and accuracy of fruit quality sorting. This study describes the design and execution of a conveyor belt system for sorting fruit quality using machine vision. The approach is intended to sort fruits based on their appearance, such as colour, size, and form. The machine vision system is trained using a collection of photos of variable quality fruits, allowing it to differentiate between high-quality and low-quality fruits. The conveyor belt system is made up of a motor, sensors, and a camera that takes pictures of the fruits as they move along the belt. The machine vision system processes the photos in real time, determining the quality of each fruit and directing it to the right bin. The precision, speed, and efficiency of the system are all measured. The technology looks potential for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of fruit quality sorting in the fruit sector.

Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Three Drying Methods on the Properties of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Dahongpao Powder and Solid Drinks.

Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Dahongpao is a traditional Chinese citrus variety. Due to the high investment in storage and transport of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Dahongpao and the lack of market demand, the fresh fruit is wasted. The processing of fresh fruit into fruit drinks can solve the problem of storage and transport difficulties and open up new markets. Investigating the effects of different drying processes (hot air, freeze, and spray drying) on fruit powders is a crucial step in identifying a suitable production process. The experiment measured the effects of different drying methods (hot air drying, freeze drying, and spray drying) on the nutrient, bioactive substance, and physical characteristics of fruit powder. This study measured the influence of three different drying methods (hot air, freeze, and spray drying) on the nutritional, bioactive substance, and physical characteristics of fruit powder. The results showed that compared to vacuum freeze-drying at low temperature (-60 °C) and spray-drying at high temperatures (150 °C), hot air drying at 50 °C produced fruit powder with superior nutritional quality, higher levels of active substances, and better physical properties. Hot air drying produced fruit powder that had the highest content of amino acids (11.48 ± 0.08 mg/g DW), vitamin C (112.09 ± 2.86 μg/g DW), total phenols (14.78 ± 0.30 mg/g GAE DW), total flavonoids (6.45 ± 0.11 mg/g RE DW), organic acids, and antioxidant activity capacity. Additionally, this method yielded the highest amounts of zinc (8.88 ± 0.03 mg/Kg DW) and soluble sugars, low water content, high solubility, and brown coloration of the fruit powder and juice. Therefore, hot air drying is one of the best production methods for producing high-quality fruit powder in factory production.

Observations on the Effects of the Hail on Some Apple Varieties under the Conditions of 2021

The research was carried out on 3 apple varieties, namely Golden delicious, Jonathan and Starkrimson, grown in the N-E area of Romania, within the Research Station for fruit growing Iasi, on Fălticeni development center. The plantation was established in 1990, being in 31 since planting. The trees are grafted on the MM106 rootstock, with a planting distance of 4 meters between rows and 2.5 meters between trees, with a density of 1000 trees/ha. During the agricultural year 2021, hail was observed as an extreme climatic phenomenon, recorded in June, July and August, when the trees were in the phenological stage BBCH 71-74, BBCH 75, BBCH 77 and BBCH 79. Extreme phenomena were accompanied by heavy rains and storms that affected both the quality and quantity of fruit production. The highest degree of damage was recorded in the Golden delicious variety in all four hail falls, with a percentage between 5% and 67%. Therefore, the fruit production was affected, their quality being impaired and not being commercialized as high quality fruit, for fresh consumption, but only industrialized.

Selection of a Proper Maturity Index for the Mechanical Harvesting of ‘Mihong’ Peach Fruit

Peaches are one of the most popular fruits around the globe. Selecting the optimum harvesting maturity for peaches is crucial in assuring high-quality fruits. This study is a model for determining the ideal harvest time for a robot harvester. Our study was carried out over two years on ‘Mihong’ peaches during days after full bloom (DAFB) 71 to 90 in 2021 and DAFB 64 to 84 in 2022 to select the optimal maturity index through a quality survey. The fruit size, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), firmness, peel color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue), and ethylene production were investigated. Fruit size showed the regular double sigmoid curve, and SSC increased while firmness and TA decreased with time. The samples left in storage conditions in 2022 showed a massive change in SSC and firmness after DAFB 74, implying the optimum harvesting stage. Interestingly, color values manifest the same consequence with a*, b*, and hue by reaching a plateau with apex side color values after DAFB 74, indicating the desired maturity. Overall, the results show that color values are an outstanding non-destructive alternative to typical destructive measurements for determining the exact time to harvest ‘Mihong’ peaches.

Automatic Fruit Quality Inspection System Using Image Processing

The demand for high-quality fruits has increased significantly, driven by consumers' growing emphasis on health and nutrition. To ensure consistent quality control and efficient fruit grading processes, an automatic fruit quality inspection system using image processing techniques has been developed. This system leverages Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms to achieve an impressive accuracy rate of 99% in fruit quality assessment. The proposed system involves a multi-step process starting with the acquisition of high-resolution fruit images. These images undergo pre-processing to enhance clarity and eliminate noise or artifacts. Subsequently, the pre-processed images are fed into a trained CNN model for feature extraction and classification based on learned patterns. The CNN model has been trained on a large dataset of labeled fruit images, enabling it to recognize quality attributes such as colour, size, shape, and defects. The system's evaluation involved a diverse range of fruits, encompassing various species, varieties, and maturity stages. The output demonstrate the system's exceptional accuracy, with a 99% success rate in correctly identifying and grading fruit quality attributes. This automatic fruit quality inspection system offers several advantages, including real-time processing, high efficiency, and reduced labor costs, making it suitable for integration into fruit processing facilities and supply chains. [1]

Fruit Detection and Recognition Based on Deep Learning for Automatic Harvesting: An Overview and Review

Continuing progress in machine learning (ML) has led to significant advancements in agricultural tasks. Due to its strong ability to extract high-dimensional features from fruit images, deep learning (DL) is widely used in fruit detection and automatic harvesting. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) in particular have demonstrated the ability to attain accuracy and speed levels comparable to those of humans in some fruit detection and automatic harvesting fields. This paper presents a comprehensive overview and review of fruit detection and recognition based on DL for automatic harvesting from 2018 up to now. We focus on the current challenges affecting fruit detection performance for automatic harvesting: the scarcity of high-quality fruit datasets, fruit detection of small targets, fruit detection in occluded and dense scenarios, fruit detection of multiple scales and multiple species, and lightweight fruit detection models. In response to these challenges, we propose feasible solutions and prospective future development trends. Future research should prioritize addressing these current challenges and improving the accuracy, speed, robustness, and generalization of fruit vision detection systems, while reducing the overall complexity and cost. This paper hopes to provide a reference for follow-up research in the field of fruit detection and recognition based on DL for automatic harvesting.

Recent Advances in Crop Improvement of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) for High Fruit Yield and Quality

Capsicum annuum L. is an indispensable spice cum vegetable crop cultivated worldwide for its edible fruit. The current research is majorly focused on the development of improved chilli varieties to achieve high fruit yield and quality to meet the rapidly growing market demands. Therefore, the screening of the chilli landraces and local cultivars for the genetic variation would provide best parents for the chilli crop improvement. Most of the recent chilli breeding programmes involve the assessment of genetic variation among the genotypes by the estimation of important genetic variation parameters such as phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance, gene flow, and cluster analysis. Correlation and path coefficient analysis was also applied to evaluate the progeny to understand the association between desired traits. The popular DNA-based molecular marker system, simple sequence repeat, is predominantly applied to understand the genetic variation as well as to select the desired progeny. In this current review, we discussed such recent research reports on chilli crop improvement for high fruit yield and quality, highlighted the recent major achievements and provided the important information for the chilli breeders. We hope this current review would shed light on recent developments in chilli crop improvement and help chilli breeders for their future breeding programmes.

Effect of nitrogen application on enhancing high-temperature stress tolerance of tomato plants during the flowering and fruiting stage.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen application on growth, photosynthetic performance, nitrogen metabolism activities, and fruit quality of tomato plants under high-temperature (HT) stress. Three levels of daily minimum/daily maximum temperature were adopted during the flowering and fruiting stage, namely control (CK; 18°C/28°C), sub-high temperature (SHT; 25°C/35°C), and high-temperature (HT; 30°C/40°C) stress. The levels of nitrogen (urea, 46% N) were set as 0 (N1), 125 (N2), 187.5 (N3), 250 (N4), and 312.5 (N5) kg hm2, respectively, and the duration lasted for 5 days (short-term). HT stress inhibited the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomato plants. Interestingly, short-term SHT stress improved growth and yield via higher photosynthetic efficiency and nitrogen metabolism whereas fruit quality was reduced. Appropriate nitrogen application can enhance the high-temperature stress tolerance of tomato plants. The maximum net photosynthetic rate (P Nmax), stomatal conductance (g s), stomatal limit value (LS), water-use efficiency (WUE), nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), soluble protein, and free amino acids were the highest in N3, N3, and N2, respectively, for CK, SHT, and HT stress, whereas carbon dioxide concentration (C i), was the lowest. In addition, maximum SPAD value, plant morphology, yield, Vitamin C, soluble sugar, lycopene, and soluble solids occurred at N3-N4, N3-N4, and N2-N3, respectively, for CK, SHT, and HT stress. Based on the principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation, we found that the optimum nitrogen application for tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality was 230.23kg hm2 (N3-N4), 230.02kg hm2 (N3-N4), and 115.32kg hm2 (N2), respectively, at CK, SHT, and HT stress. Results revealed that the high yield and good fruit quality of tomato plants at high temperatures can be maintained by higher photosynthesis, nitrogen efficiency, and nutrients with moderate nitrogen.

Far infrared assisted refractance window drying: Influence on drying characteristics and quality of banana leather

The market demand for fruit-based healthy snacks in dried form is increasing rapidly. Novel and efficient drying techniques are being explored to meet market demand of fruit-based snacks with better nutritive value and sensorial attributes. In this study, suitability of far infrared assisted refractance window (FIR + RW) drying to obtain banana leather was ascertained and drying behavior, bioactives, flavor, microstructure, and sensory attributes were compared with RW and hot air (HA) drying. FIR + RW and RW reduced the drying time by 60–75% and energy consumption by 38–45% as compared to HA. RW drying preserved color and retained higher phenolics (19%), ascorbic acid (22%) and antioxidant capacity (16–47%) compared to HA. Among the studied methods, HA resulted in higher browning index and hydroxymethylfurfural content. FIR + RW and RW dried banana samples had maximum flavor compounds, better overall consumer acceptance and improved cellular structure with widened pores. The study indicated that RW and FIR + RW have good potential to be considered as alternative drying techniques to HA for producing high-quality fruit leather.

Sugars and Organic Acids in 25 Strawberry Cultivars: Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation.

(1) The nutritional quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) fruits, among others, is largely maintained by the presence of soluble sugars and organic acids. As the primary products of photosynthesis, they are energy depots in plants, necessary for the construction of cell constituents, but also serve as precursors of aromatic compounds and signaling molecules. (2) In this study, fruits of 25 strawberry cultivars were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized concerning individual sugars and organic acids by HPLC, FT-ICR-MS, and MS imaging analysis. In addition, the total quality index (TQI), as a novel mathematical model, was used to compare all individual parameters evaluated to obtain a quantitative single score, as an indicator of overall fruit quality. (3) Regardless of a large number of cultivars and monitored parameters that were studded, several cultivars stood out in terms of selected primary metabolites, such as 'Rumba', 'Jeny', and 'Sandra', while the latter had the best TQI score. (4) Intercultivar variations in sugars and organic acids profiles, along with other bioactive compounds, should be considered for selection of promising cultivars with improved naturally occurring nutraceutical traits. Besides the search for a pleasant taste, increased awareness of healthy nutrition resulted in heightening consumer demand for high-quality fruit.

Main diseases of avocado in Brazil

There may be many factors contributing to reduction in longevity and productivity in avocado trees, especially diseases of fungal and fungal-like pathogens, among which Phytophthora root rot, scab, cercospora spot, anthracnose, branch canker and stem-end rot are the most important. Phytophthora root rot is the most important disease of avocado. The pathogen attacks the fine feeder roots of avocado plants and induces multiple symptoms, and, if left untreated, can result in the death of trees and high economic losses. Scab and cercospora spot mainly affect fruit quality and cause fruit drop in intense attacks. Anthracnose and stem-end rot cause severe losses under favorable environmental conditions and the absence of preventive control, occurring mainly in postharvest, during storage and transport of the fruits. Branch canker affects the seedling set and reduces the productivity of the orchard, which can even cause the death of trees in severe attacks. The permanent occurrence of diseases in some areas may turn the crop unprofitable, which requires knowledge and adequate management to obtain productivity and high quality fruits. This review cover the main avocado diseases, their symptoms, etiology, epidemiology and management.

A Smart Storage System and Non-Invasive Technique for Spoilage Detection

Fresh vegetables are widely recognized as a vital source of essential nutrients for a healthy diet, including vegetable sprouts which are consumed globally for their high nutritional value. Only high-quality fruits and vegetables are preferred by those who are health-conscious. Consequently, it is crucial to check the quality of fruits and vegetables. However, consuming raw vegetables poses a significant risk of transmitting intestinal parasites. With a growing awareness of quality in the food and health industry, there is an increasing need for research on defined quality production, preservation during marketing, and evaluation of quality parameters. By addressing these concerns, this proposed non-invasive system presents a promising technique for detecting the quality of stored fruits and vegetables. The suggested system can help ensure the availability of safe and nutritious produce for consumers, thereby contributing to the improvement of public health.

Flash vacuum expansion, a low-cost and energy-efficient alternative process to produce high-quality fruit puree: Application to Physalis peruviana

Goldenberry has great potential for the development of high-quality products due to its attractive sensory attributes, bioactive compounds, and health benefits. However, postharvest losses are high due to the lack of processing technologies that can both be adapted to rural conditions in producing countries to generate high-quality products. Flash vacuum expansion coupled with vacuum pulping is a new process that can meet these requirements. In the process, the steam holding time (30, 40, and 50 s/130 kPa) and flash vacuum expansion (5 ± 1.2 kPa) were studied. The logarithmic reduction of microbial load and some quality indicators were analyzed during the process and during storage to assess the shelf life of fruit purées. The FVE process with 40 s steam blanching led to a microbial reduction of over 6 log colony forming units (CFU)/g, increased yield and β-carotene content, and preserved most of the AA content (4–12%). Based on the half-lives of the quality indicators, the shelf life of the purées was between 16 d (20 °C) and 90 d (4 °C). The energy consumption was estimated at approximately 0.30 kWh/kg of product. These results demonstrate that the FVE process, although it includes heat treatment, allows a short exposure to heat of the whole fruits to obtain a high-quality puree with an adequate shelf life in a single step, with a relatively low equipment investment and moderate energy consumption.