What are physical actions such as peeling and trimming that can cause nutrient loss called?

The term that describes physical actions, such as peeling and trimming, which can lead to nutrient loss is known as "Physical Loss." This concept refers to the fact that when fruits and vegetables are processed, their outer layers or parts may be removed, which can inadvertently take away essential vitamins and nutrients. For example, peeling potatoes removes not just the skin but also a significant amount of vitamins that are present close to the skin surface.

While the other terms may also seem relevant, they typically refer to different concepts. "Mechanical Loss" generally involves the loss of product due to physical handling or transportation, which does not specifically capture the idea of nutrient loss through food preparation methods. "Processing Loss" might suggest a broader context of nutrient loss during various processing steps, but it doesn’t pinpoint the specific actions of peeling and trimming. "Material Loss" could refer to the loss of any kind of material in a broader sense, but again, it does not accurately describe the specific action of preparing food that leads to nutrient loss. Thus, "Physical Loss" is the most precise term for this phenomenon.