Why is it important to have blemish-free fruits and vegetables?

My mom used to always tell me to look for blemish-free when I go to the supermarket, but is this really significant or is it just for the look of the fruit or vegetable?Why is it important to have blemish-free fruits and vegetables?
Sometimes a small bruise can turn into a big bruise. Fruit bruises easily, but it happens slowly. So if it has any marks or bruising, there's a better chance that it will get worse.





Skins also tell you something about the health of the fruit. Most of the time, a shiny, blemish-free skin means it's healthy fruit. Grocery stores have little signs that tell you about the fruit or vegetable. There's a section that says ';what to look for'; where they give you a short description of what a healthy one looks like. For example, a spaghetti squash sign will say ';choose squash that are oblong and yellow in color';.Why is it important to have blemish-free fruits and vegetables?
Blemishes don't make the fruit any less nutritious. I guess she just wants to get her money's worth. We're a society that bases a lot of things on looks/perfectness. If you only knew how much good food is thrown away because it does not have ';eye appeal'; you'd be shocked. I work in the produce department of a local grocery store and we have to toss out fruits that might have a tiny hole left by the stem of another apple or perhaps a tomato that has a dark spot on the top near the stem end which nobody uses anyway. People just won't buy them if they don't look right. Sad but true.
A blemish (not mold) on the fruit or veg will not have a great effect on the taste. However since you are paying good money, it is wise to buy the best condition available.