Here’s Why Fruits at Supermarkets Are Often Sold in Mesh Bags—It’s More Than Just Preservation

Have you ever wondered why fruits at supermarkets look fresher and more appealing than when you bring them home? The truth is that the mesh wrapping around them plays a much more significant role than just preservation.

When selecting oranges at the supermarket, many people meticulously choose the ones with the brightest and freshest colors. However, once they get home, the fruits often appear less appealing. This phenomenon is explained by the "Confetti Illusion" created by the mesh wrapping. Scientific American on TikTok has provided an explanation for this effect.

 

According to the Journal of Illusion, the Confetti Illusion influences how we perceive colors. They explain:
"The Confetti Illusion is caused by different colored stripes in the foreground, creating the impression of multiple distinct colors."
This effect on fruits wrapped in mesh was first discovered by German psychologist Karl Gegenfurtner.

A study published earlier this year in Sage Journals by Gegenfurtner states:
"Our research introduces a new aspect by showing how unripe, greenish oranges can appear ripe and vibrantly colored when viewed through orange mesh."

The color of the mesh also plays an important role. Gegenfurtner clarified that the super-vivid appearance is a result of both the Confetti Illusion and the color reflection of the mesh onto the fruit.

While the mesh creates an illusion of ripeness, it also allows the fruit to "breathe." Therefore, consumers should find alternative ways to assess a fruit’s ripeness rather than relying solely on its color.

A more reliable method is to opt for fruits not wrapped in mesh. Look for irregularities in texture, shape, or smell. Citrus fruits, as well as apples and pomegranates, are said to feel heavier when ripe. So, look for ones that feel slightly heavier than expected.