Definition of the word soft fruit

The term "soft fruit" is commonly used in the UK and other parts of Europe to describe a group of edible fruits that have a sweet and succulent flesh, which is soft and easily bite or cut into. In contrast, "hard fruits" refer to fruits with a harder rind or skin, such as apples, pears, and peaches. The origin of the term "soft fruit" is believed to have emerged in the 1950s in the UK, where farmers and market vendors used the phrase to differentiate these types of fruits from the more commonly grown "hard fruits". The unique qualities of soft fruits, such as their shorter shelf life and susceptibility to spoilage, also contributed to the creation of the term. Soft fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries generally have a shorter growing season, making them more seasonal and less readily available throughout the year than hard fruits. The term "soft fruit" has since become a widely accepted and recognized term in the UK and other parts of Europe due to its practicality and simplicity in classification. It allows farmers, retailers, and consumers to easily identify and differentiate between these types of fruits and has become an integral part of the fruit industry and vocabulary in many regions.