That white patina you see on grapes, plums and blueberries is not dust or chemical residues, but Prina: a cerful natural coating that the fruits produce to protect themselves. Find out what it is, because it is formed and because it is a sign of quality and freshness to be appreciated.
When you buy grapes, plums or blueberries in the supermarket, you will certainly have noticed a thin white patina that covers the surface of these fruits. Many people exchange it for dust, pesticides or even mold residues, but in reality it is a completely natural phenomenon called the Prina.
What is the prone
Prina is a ceroso natural layer that some fruits produce to protect themselves from external agents. This substance, with a characteristic whitish and opaque appearance, is mainly composed of natural waxes, fatty alcohol and other lipid compounds that the plant synthesizes independently. O external contaminations, but instead represents a sophisticated defense mechanism evolved over millions of years.
The name “Prina” derives from the Latin and literally means “brina”, precisely because of its similarity with that frozen patin that forms on the surfaces during the coldest mornings. This denomination perfectly makes the idea of the appearance that this natural coating assumes.
Because fruits produce prone
Nature has developed prina as an extremely effective survival strategy. This cerful coating performs different vital functions for the fruit and for the plant that produces it. First of all, it acts as a protective barrier against the loss of humidity, preventing the result of prematurely dehydrate and maintaining its consistency and freshness longer.
Prina also works as a natural shield against the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which could damage the delicate fabrics of the fruit and compromise its development. In addition, this Cerosa patina creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria, mushrooms and other pathogenic microorganisms, significantly reducing the risk of infections and rot.
Another interesting aspect is that the prosa makes the fruit surface less attractive for some insects, discouraging the stings and reducing the damage caused by parasites. In this way, the fruit can complete its ripening cycle in optimal conditions.
Which fruits present the printed
Not all fruits develop prina, but those that produce it belong mainly to the Drupaceing family and some varieties of berries. The grape probably represents the best known and visible example of this phenomenon. When you observe a bunch of fresh grapes, that white patina that covers every single ber is exactly the prina in action.
Plums are another fruit in which the pros is particularly evident, especially in dark peel varieties such as purple or blue plums. Blueberries, especially wild ones, often often present this natural coating that gives them a slightly opaque characteristic aspect.
Other fruits that can develop prina include some varieties of plums, certain types of figs and even some citrus fruits, even if in the last cases the phenomenon is less evident. The quantity and visibility of prina may vary significantly according to the variety of the fruit, the climatic conditions during growth and the degree of maturation.
Does the prina be good or does it hurt?
One of the most frequent questions about the pros is whether it is safe to consume or if it should be removed before eating the fruit. The response is reassuring: the prone is completely natural and safe for human consumption. Not only does he do not have health risks, but some studies suggest that he may even have beneficial properties.
In fact, the natural waxes that make up the prina contain some antioxidant compounds that can contribute to the nutritional value of the fruit. Furthermore, from the point of view of food safety, the presence of prina is often an indicator of freshness and quality, since this coating tends to disappear with excessive manipulation or aging of the product.
We always recommend that the fruit carefully wash before consumption, not so much to remove the pros as to eliminate any earth residues, dust or other contaminants that may have deposited on the surface during transport and conservation.
How to recognize a genuine prone
Learning to distinguish natural plum from other types of patinos or coatings is important for making conscious purchases. Authentic plum has very specific characteristics that make it easily recognizable once you know what to look for.
Real prina has a uniform appearance and is distributed homogeneously On the surface of the fruit, creating an opaque but not too thick patina. To the touch, it presents itself slightly dusty and tends to remove easily with a slight rubbed, without however leaving oily or sticky residues.
Another distinctive sign of natural prina is that and does not give off particular smells. If you notice a patina that has a chemical smell, a too shiny appearance or a consistency different from the one described, it could be residues of post-cacked treatments, in which case it is advisable to wash the fruit very carefully before consumption.
How to keep the fruits with the pros
When you buy fruit that presents the Prina, there are some precautions that can help you preserve both the natural coating and the freshness of the product. In fact, the Prina continues to perform its protective function even after the collection, helping to maintain the fruit in optimal conditions longer.
Avoid manipulating the fruits with prina excessively, since each rubbing removes part of this precious protective coating.
When you put them in the refrigerator, try to fix them so that they do not touch each other too much and use containers that allow good air circulation.
It is interesting to note that the fruits that keep their prina intact tend to preserve themselves better and longer than those who have lost it during manipulation. This is one of the reasons why many quality producers pay particular attention to the delicate management of their products during all stages, from collection to sale.
A sign of quality to be appreciated
The next time you find yourself in front of fruits covered with that characteristic white patina, you will know that you are observing one of the most sophisticated and elegant mechanisms that nature has developed to protect its fruits. Prina represents a perfect example of how plants have evolved complex strategies to ensure the survival and quality of their fruits.
Rather than seeing this patina as something to remove or to be wary, we can appreciate it as an indicator of naturalness and freshness. The fruits that have a well -preserved prina are often those who have undergone less manipulations and that keep their original organoleptic characteristics intact.
In an era in which we are increasingly attentive to the quality and origin of what we eat, learn to recognize and appreciate these small natural details helps us to make more aware choices and develop a more authentic relationship with the food we carry on our tables.
