Vegetable and Fruit Products

Abstract

The microbial biota of land-grown vegetables may be expected to reflect that of the soils in which they are grown, although exceptions occur. The actinomycetes (Gram-positive branching forms) are the most abundant bacteria in stable soils, yet they are rarely reported on vegetable products. On the other hand, the lactic acid bacteria are rarely found in soil per se, but they are significant parts of the bacterial biota of plants and plant products. The overall exposure of plant products to the environment provides many opportunities for contamination by microorganisms. The protective cover of fruits and vegetables and the possession by some of pH values below which many organisms cannot grow are important factors in the microbiology of these products.