Refrigerated fruits maintain flavor and taste for longer period due to

Options

A. non - availability of `O_(2)`
B. presence of excess of `CO_(2)`
C. presence of excess humidity
D. slower rate of respiration

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks why refrigerated fruits maintain their flavor and taste for a longer period.

2. **Role of Temperature**: When fruits are refrigerated, the temperature is lowered. This low temperature affects the biochemical processes occurring in the fruits.

3. **Enzyme Activity**: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, including those involved in ripening and spoilage. Each enzyme has an optimum temperature range where it functions best.

4. **Effect of Low Temperature**: At lower temperatures, the activity of enzymes decreases. This means that the processes that lead to spoilage and loss of flavor are slowed down significantly.

5. **Respiration Rate**: Fruits continue to respire even when refrigerated, but the rate of respiration is reduced at lower temperatures. This slower respiration rate means that the fruits consume less energy and produce less ethylene, a hormone that promotes ripening.

6. **Conclusion**: The combination of decreased enzyme activity and slower respiration rates allows refrigerated fruits to maintain their flavor and taste for a longer period. Therefore, the correct answer is that refrigerated fruits maintain flavor and taste due to a slower rate of respiration.

### Final Answer:
Refrigerated fruits maintain flavor and taste for a longer period due to a slower rate of respiration.

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