CHAPTER V 



FRUIT STORAGE 



The question of storage of fruit has become of vastly 

 more importance during the last decade than ever before, 

 and each month sees some new advancement or develop- 

 ment along fruit storage lines. 



Objects of Storage. There are four main reasons 

 why fruit is stored: 



(1) For family use. 



(2) To ripen up before selling. 



(3) To tide over periods of over-supply. 



(4) To prolong the period of keeping. 



The first is the oldest and longest in use and consti- 

 tutes a very important part. However, it is pretty 

 well worked out by each individual family and does not 

 need to be further commented on here. 



The ' ' ripening-up ' ' of the fruit before selling is an 

 important consideration, because fruit thus ripened is 

 often of better quality than when left on the trees. 

 Certain varieties and kinds of fruit will keep only a 

 few days while others can be kept, under proper con- 

 ditions, for months. Often the degree of flavor or aroma 

 developed in the fruit depends on the conditions under 

 which it is ripened. Each different fruit has to be 

 studied in this particular and treated in accordance with 

 its specific demands. 



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