ABSTRACT
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Berries have numerous qualities that make them appealing to consumers. Among these attributes, color is of great importance because consumers use it to judge the quality of a fruit. Berries have many attractive colors that are valued by consumers all over the world. This chapter will introduce readers to the different pigments responsible for berry color, their chemistry, their concentrations, and the many factors that can affect their presence and concentration in berries and berry products. There are many factors that can affect fruit composition, including fruit maturity, varietal differences, location, growing conditions, weather, and time and temperature of storage. In this chapter, we will focus on the effects that harvesting, storage, and processing conditions can have on pigment composition and concentration for various species of berries, in addition to the role that berry pigments may play in the health benefits attributed to berries and berry products.
