More research needs to be done on handling, packaging, and transporting many of these items, especially in the areas of postharvest treatments, precooling, and sensitivity to chilling, freezing, moisture loss, ethylene, odors, bruising, and decay. Common names and the scientific name of the fruit or vegetable are given to assist the reader in identification and further research of each product. The time of year products are harvested in the United States and foreign countries is given. Not all sources of a product are listed. Due to USDA requirements, some of these products are not permitted to enter the United States from certain countries until effective quarantine treatments for destructive insects or diseases are developed.
Permits are subject to change as treatments are developed or as new pest and disease problems arise.
The permit may require the product undergo treatment prior to entry. Entry may be restricted to certain ports in the United States. In lieu of official or industry grades, descriptions of size and appearance are given. Some products such as pineapple are harvested fully ripe, as the ripening process will not continue after they are picked. International tropical grading standards are under discussion.