For those who live alone, the struggle to maintain a healthy diet is very common. Gone are the days when your mother would come to your room with a plate of freshly cut fruits, a gesture that might have seemed annoying at the time but now seems like a luxury. Now, you are not only missing out on ready meals on the dining table; you are having to chop your own onions to make a simple egg omelette.

Services like BigBasket, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are the best modern-day services for those who dread cutting fruits and vegetables every day. These online platforms offer the convenience of delivering ‘freshly-cut’ produce at lightning speed, making it easier to eat home-cooked food.

But is relying on pre-cut fruits and vegetables really a healthy way to go? Let’s find out what the experts have to say.

Are they safe?

Kanika Narang, deputy manager, dietetics department, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, explains india today Pre-cut fruits and vegetables purchased from online stores may be safe if handled and stored properly.

He said there is a risk of contamination during processing, packaging and transportation, which can happen through physical, chemical or biological means.

• Physical contamination can occur through exposure to dirt, dust, or other foreign particles.
• Chemical contamination can result from exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals.
• Biological contamination can result from exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

To minimise the risk, she recommends choosing reputed stores, checking for proper packaging, and storing pre-cut produce in a refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). With online stores, while one can manage the storage of pre-cut produce after delivery, it is not possible to inspect the store from where the product has been received or how it has been packaged.

Soumita Biswas, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, also points out that pre-cut fruits and vegetables are convenient, but they can also carry risks.

“While strict food safety regulations are in place, consumers should remain vigilant, check expiration dates, ensure proper storage, and wash produce thoroughly. Even though pre-cut options save time, whole fruits and vegetables often provide better nutritional value and safety,” she adds.

Refreshment and preservatives

According to Gurugram-based dietician Dr Archana Batra, the freshness of pre-cut fruits and vegetables can vary significantly depending on the supplier.

“Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are usually packed in sealed containers, which helps them retain their freshness for a certain period of time. However, exposure to air and the cutting process can cause fruits and vegetables to spoil faster than a whole crop,” says Dr Batra.

Regarding preservatives, he said some pre-cut ingredients have preservatives added to extend their shelf life and maintain their color and texture.

Common preservatives include ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid, sulfur dioxide, calcium propionate, and sodium benzoate. “Preservatives can affect the nutritional value and taste of the product,” says Kanika Narang.

However, not all pre-cut products contain preservatives, so it’s important to read labels and choose chemical-free options if possible.

What about nutritional value?

Soumita Biswas believes that exposure to air and light before harvesting may cause loss of some nutrients. The extent of this loss depends on factors such as storage conditions and time.

In addition, Narang explains that pre-cut fruits and vegetables can retain their nutritional value if handled and stored properly. However, water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin B can be destroyed by cutting and exposure to air, water, and heat.

Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K may be better retained. Minerals such as potassium, sodium and calcium may also be retained.

Narang also pointed out that the 3-5 day expiry date for such products is a guideline, but the actual shelf life may vary depending on factors such as storage temperature, handling and initial quality.

Produce with a higher water content, like watermelon and strawberries, may have a shorter shelf life than produce with a lower water content, like apples and carrots.

Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are recommended to be consumed within a day or two for optimal freshness and safety.

It should also be noted that compared to frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, pre-cut fresh options typically retain more of their original nutrients.

matter of intuition

Dr Adarsh ​​CK, Chief Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru says, “The process of cutting and storing fruits and vegetables can sometimes lead to a slight loss of fibre and nutrients, which is worth noting. Additionally, if pre-cut produce is not handled or stored properly, they can be more prone to bacterial contamination, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses that can negatively impact gut health.”

Doctors say that some pre-cut items may also be treated with preservatives or coatings to extend shelf life. While these are generally safe, they can sometimes cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Plus, over time, pre-cut produce can lose its freshness and nutritional quality, reducing its benefits for gut health.

Do experts recommend it?

According to Soumita Biswas, pre-cut fruits and vegetables are certainly convenient, but they may not be the healthiest or safest option for everyone. If you choose to buy them, choose reputable brands and eat them as quickly as possible. For those who prioritize nutrition and food safety, preparing fruits and vegetables at home is often the best option.

Kanika Narang also recommends selecting whole fruits and vegetables and cutting them yourself to ensure maximum freshness and nutritional value.

“The general rule of thumb is that any cut fruit or vegetable should ideally be consumed within four hours to ensure freshness and safety,” says Dr Adarsh ​​CK.

What about meal delivery salads?

“The salads that come with food deliveries aren’t always fresh. They are often prepared in large quantities and kept in storage, which can compromise freshness and safety,” Dr Batra said.

Additionally, pre-cut salads that come with take-out meals may contain preservatives and are at a higher risk of contamination.

Dr Adarsh ​​CK says, “The inability to wash prepared salads increases the risk of harmful bacteria or contaminants being introduced into the body. This is especially worrisome when one considers the possibility of microbial infection, which can be easily avoided with fresh, home-prepared produce that can be properly cleaned.”

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• When buying pre-cut produce, always choose brands with a good food safety record.
• Check the expiration date on the packaging and choose the freshest option available.
• Make sure the packaging is intact; damaged packaging could indicate a compromise in safety and quality.
• It is also important how you store the already cut pieces. Keep the product in the refrigerator and follow the storage instructions on the package.
• Even though pre-cut produce is washed, it is still a good idea to wash it thoroughly before use to remove any surface contaminants.

india today We tried to contact online services like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart to understand how pre-harvested produce is processed, but were unable to get their view on the matter. This story will be updated if we get a response.