QUALITY OF APPLE FRUIT IN RIGID FILM CONTAINERS

The storage quality of‘Delicious’ apples individually packaged in rigid film containers was investigated. Objective quality attributes (internal and external color, firmness, soluble solids and titratable acidity) were measured as a function of storage time with and without packaging in a rigid container. Overall firmness, acidity and soluble solids content decreased over a 70-day storage period. Significant effects of rigid film packaging and storage included: superior skin color, decreased weight loss, slight decrease in soluble solids content and increased firmness loss during ripening when compared to control fruit. Upon examination of the atmosphere surrounding individual fruit in these containers, increased levels of carbon dioxide and ethylene were found. Conversely, packaged fruit contained significantly less internal carbon dioxide than control samples. It was concluded that the atmosphere modified by the rigid film container hastened ripening of‘Delicious’ apples, thus deteriorating eating quality. An adequately ventilated packaged would probably alleviate this condition.     

SMALL FRUIT QUALITY AS AFFECTED BY POINT OF ORIGIN-DISTANT VERSUS LOCAL1

Small fruits shipped into local markets from major production areas 800 to 2400 km distant were compared to small fruits grown within 25 km of this location. Fruits were evaluated for acceptability of flavor, texture, color, instrumental color (Hunter Color Difference Meter‘L’,‘a’,‘b’, hue, and chroma), shear press firmness, weight loss, dry matter, soluble solids, acidity, mineral content (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P), protein, and Vitamin C (strawberry only) after holding for 0, 2, or 4 days (strawberry); 0, 3, or 5 days (grape); or 0, 3, 5, or 7 days (blueberry) at 21°C. Distant-grown small fruits were nutritionally comparable to those grown locally but generally inferior in overall sensory attributes, particularly taste. There were no real disadvantages observed that would detract from the marketing of these locally produced small fruits.     

Mechanical behaviour and quality traits of highbush blueberry during postharvest storage

BACKGROUND: Berry firmness is one of the most important characteristics for fresh market consumption. Blueberry firmness is also an important attribute because it is considered to be a measure of its freshness. Berries lose their firmness by loss of water and by changes in their structure. RESULTS: The postharvest life of two highbush blueberry cultivars (Bluecrop and Coville) was investigated. Several parameters related to blueberry quality were evaluated during the postharvest storage period. To assess berry texture characteristics (firmness, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, resilience), a rapid non‐destructive penetrometer test by Durofel^® and texture profile analysis (TPA) using a texture analyser were carried out. Low temperature inhibited the decrease of total soluble solids, total titratable acidity and increase of flesh pH value, thereby maintaining good taste quality. There was an increase in fruit firmness (Durofel index) and hardness and a decrease in chewiness and springiness during storage. CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation among the TPA parameters and Durofel index. The Durofel index could therefore be used as a suitable indicator of fruit quality and storability, and low‐temperature storage is beneficial to maintain the taste quality of blueberry fruit after harvest. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Postharvest Use of Sucrose Polyesters for Extending the Shelf-life of Stored 'Golden Delicious' Apples

The post-storage uses of a sucrose-fatty acid polyester (SPE) formulation, commercial fruit wax and a combination of both were investigated on ‘Golden Delicious’ apples after fruit were removed from both controlled atmosphere (CA) and refrigerated storage. Quality parameters measured included color (skin and internal), firmness, soluble solids and titratable acidity. Physiological parameters measured were carbon dioxide and ethylene concentrations both evolved and internal. Refrigerated stored apples, treated with SPE, displayed retarded color development, higher acid and greater firmness values compared to controls. CA stored, treated apples possessed similar attributes but no firmness retention. Ethylene evolution was reduced in SPE-coated apples. In comparison to control apples, an internal accumulation of carbon dioxide and a reduction in ethylene was observed.     

Quality Characteristics of Four Mulberry (Morus sp) Cultivars in the Area of Chania,Greece

Four cultivars of mulberry, Morus sp (cvs Mavromournia (red-fruited), Mavri (black-fruited), Rodini (purple-fruited) and Aspri (white-fruited)) were harvested at three stages of harvest maturity (immature, mature and fully mature). The fruit were evaluated for fresh weight, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and anthocyanin content and composition. Mavromournia mulberries significantly differed compared to the other cultivars in all quality characteristics and especially in titratable acidity and anthocyanin content. Cyanidin-3-grucorutinoside is responsible for about 60% of the fruit coloration. Mavromournia mulberries are fruit of excellent quality characteristics and have a great market potential as fresh or processed product. © 1997 SCI.     

Characterization of New Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.): Selections Based on Fruit Quality,Total Anthocyanins,and Antioxidant Capacity

Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are rich in anthocyanins and possess high antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate six Michigan tart cherry selections for different quality attributes; fruit weight, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, instrumental color parameters, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity, determined as Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). Generally, significant (p < 0.01) differences were observed across tart cherry selections for fruit weight, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and color values. As compared to 13.7°B for Montmorency (control), the TSS contents of all the tart cherry selections were significantly higher; ranging from 15.8 °B in selection 27–10(50) to 20.2°B in Erdi Jubileum. Fruit weight also showed significant differences, which were in the range of 3.95–8.17 g/fruit. In comparison to Montmorency, other tart cherry selections showed significantly higher titratable acidity (1.20–1.41% vs. 1.132%); higher anthocyanins (78.9–391.4 μg/g vs. 33.1 μg/g, as gallic acid equivalent); and higher ORAC values (up to 145.4% more). With respect to cost and better marketability, the results of this study could be useful for the cherry juice/concentrate industry.     

QUALITY ATTRIBUTES, PECTOLYTIC ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING POSTHARVEST RIPENING OF NECTARINE

The postharvest ripening at 20C and 90–95% RH for 10 days of ‘Armking’ nectarine grown in a greenhouse was investigated over two seasons. Firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, pH and maturity index were all adequate to stablish the rate of ripening. However, soluble solids content and reducing and non-reducing sugars showed no significant changes. It took about 10 days for very early ripening fruit (100 g weight and 82 N firmness) and 6 days for normal early ripening fruits (115 g weight and 46 N firmness), both harvested at preclimacteric stage, to become eating ripe (near 20 N). Total weight loss and decay after 10 days was approximately 11%. During ripening there was a temporal coincidence among higher rates of ethyleneproduction, higher pectinmethylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities, lower firmness and acidity and higher maturity index. PME and PG activities increased during ripening, with a highly negative linear correlation between activities of the two enzymes and firmness. In very early ripening fruit, PME activity was more closely related to softening than PG, whereas in normal early ripeningfruit, PG activity was slightly more closely linked to the loss offirmness than PME.     

Genotype and growing season influence blueberry antioxidant capacity and other quality attributes

Forty‐two blueberry cultivars (thirty‐six Vaccinium ashei, three V. ashei derivative hybrids and three northern highbush standards) were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities and other fruit quality attributes over two growing seasons. Total anthocyanins, phenolic content and antioxidant capacities varied substantially among species and cultivars. ‘Early May’ (V. ashei) had the highest amounts of anthocyanins, phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Cultivars from V. ashei hybrid derivatives had lower mean antioxidant components than those from northern highbush standards or V. ashei. The antioxidant capacity, as well as total anthocyanins and phenolics, had significant cultivar × year interactions. Correlation coefficient between years for total anthocyanins, total phenolics and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were high with values of 0.86, 0.81 and 0.93, respectively. Similar interactions were observed for soluble solids content (SSC), sugar, titratable acid and organic acids among cultivars both within and across the growing seasons. Correlation coefficients between years for SSC, fructose, glucose and sucrose were 0.78, 0.71, 0.83 and 0.96, respectively. Fructose and glucose were detected as two major sugars with sucrose as a minor constituent. ‘Clara’ contained the highest amounts of SSC and sugars, while ‘Satilla’ had the lowest. In general, V. ashei cultivars had a higher mean SSC and sugar contents than did the hybrid derivatives or the northern highbush standards. Cultivars of V. ashei contained higher malic acid than citric acid, whereas in hybrid derivatives and northern highbush cultivars, citric acid was the predominant organic acid. The diversity in the amount of these fruit quality attributes and antioxidant capacities presents a great opportunity for genetic improvement of blueberries through breeding programmes. The objective of the study was to identify blueberry cultivars with high antioxidant activity and good fruit quality, so they can be used as parents for future blueberry breeding programmes to develop new cultivars with higher antioxidant activity.     

Physicochemical,carbohydrate and sensory characteristics of highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars

The chemical composition, colour and texture of fresh berries from three rabbiteye (‘Climax’, ‘Premier’ and ‘Tifblue’) and two highbush (‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Jersey’) blueberry cultivars were measured. Shear (482 vs 290 N), compression (6.50 vs 3.96 N) and puncture forces (1.48 and 0.85 vs 0.81 and 0.43 N) were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for rabbiteye than for highbush cultivars. Shear for ‘Bluecrop’ blueberries averaged 254 N, whereas for ‘Climax’ it was 565 N. The puncture force required to penetrate the skin was lower for ‘Bluecrop’ (0.78 N) and ‘Jersey’ (0.83 N) and higher for ‘Climax’ (1.71 N). However, sensory panellists found no differences (P > 0.05) in colour, flavour or skin toughness among the five cultivars. ‘Climax’ was rated lower in seediness. Rabbiteye cultivars contained more fibre and complex polysaccharides than highbush cultivars. These differences in complex carbohydrates that make up the cell wall layers may contribute to the toughness of rabbiteye cultivars and their possible longer fresh shelf‐life, though taste panellists did not find this toughness objectionable. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Compositional changes during guava fruit ripening

Compositional changes of fruit pulp and peel during ripening of white- and pink-fleshed guava fruits were studied. The white and pink guava fruits exhibited a typical climacteric pattern of respiration. Fruit tissue firmness decreased progressively, in a similar manner, in both guava fruit types. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars increased in pulp and peel of both guava types with decrease in flesh firmness. More increase in total sugars was observed after the climacteric peak of respiration. Reducing sugars and titratable acidity increased up to the full-ripe stage and then decreased. Ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds decreased continuously during ripening of the two types. The peel showed higher values of ascorbic acid, total protein and phenolic compounds than the plup. The white-fleshed guavas had higher levels of TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars. titratable acidity, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid content then the pink-fleshed fruits.     

Distribution of degradative enzymatic activities in the mesocarp of two melon groups

The differences in polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase activities as well as the main physical and chemical attributes of nine different slice portions (from the inner to the outer end and from the blossom to the stem end) of two groups of melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis‘Galia’ cv. and inodorus‘Piel de sapo’ cv.) at commercial maturity were studied. Moving from the inner to the outer end of the pulp, physico‐chemical properties, such as pH, total soluble solids and phenolics increased whereas titratable acidity, firmness and Chroma decreased in both types, reflecting different degrees of maturity within the same fruit. As for physico‐chemical attributes, the enzymatic activities responsible for browning and softening phenomena showed an increasing trend moving from the inner to the outer end of mesocarp in both cv., except for polygalacturonase in cantalupensis type.     

1-Methylcyclopropene postharvest treatment and their effect on apple quality during long-term storage time

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the postharvest treatment by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and storage time on the apple physicochemically quality. The effects of apple storage during 6 months on basic parameters such as dry weight, total soluble solids and titratable acidity, composition of phenolics, antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation were studied to evaluate the potential applicability of long-time stored apples for consumption and processing. Long-time storage of apples resulted in a higher dry matter but decreases total soluble solids and titratable acidity in all examined cultivars (cv.) of apples. The total phenolics determined by HPLC in fresh apples ranged from 1,243 mg in ‘Idared’ cv. to 1,435 mg/kg in ‘Shampion’ cv. During storage, the decrease of polyphenolic content has been observed, in ‘Shampion’ cv., it was higher than in ‘Idared’ cv. Similar effects were observed for antioxidant activity. Comparing quality of fruits just after harvest, it was found that cultivar affects most of the investigated sensory attributes with the exception of ripe apple smell, crispness, crunchiness and the overall texture score. In general, ‘Shampion’ cv. apples got higher ranks for sweetness, taste and the overall quality, whereas ‘Idared’ cv. were perceived as sourer, which is in arrangement with instrumental measurements. The results of presented study demonstrate that apples after storage, especially ‘Shampion’ cv., can be a valuable sensory attributes for food product and consumption. This study indicates that the use of 1-MCP treatment in long-term storage of apples is promising for maintaining the eating quality of fruits, however, in some extent may affect their antioxidant compounds content.     

1-MCP缓释处理对气调贮藏后的‘安久’梨货架期品质的影响

以‘安久’梨为试材,利用3% 1-甲基环丙烯（1-MCP）缓释剂处理在2.2% O₂下贮藏6个月后的两个果园梨果实,研究1-MCP缓释处理对梨果实出库后在冷藏（模拟运输过程）和货架期中果实生理病害发生、乙烯释放率、硬度、果皮叶绿素、可溶性固形物和可滴定酸的影响,为今后其商业标准化应用提供理论依据。结果表明:与对照组果实相比,1-MCP缓释处理能降低货架期果实腐烂率和虎皮病发病率,降低α-法尼烯含量和共轭三烯积累。此外,1-MCP缓释处理能抑制果实乙烯释放,延缓果实硬度下降,果皮叶绿素和可滴定酸降解,但对可溶性固形物含量无影响。1-MCP处理的Lot 375果园（海拔为114.30 m）梨果实在经冷藏10 d后第21 d货架期时果实硬度降至24.76 N并伴随乙烯逐渐上升,而1-MCP处理的Lot 39果园（海拔为10.06 m）梨果实果实硬度为39.14 N,此时乙烯仍维持在较低的水平。因此,在人工短缺时,晚采收的高海拔地区果园‘安久’梨可先进行气调贮藏,待出库、清洗、分拣、包装处理后加入缓释型1-MCP,可降低货架期果实生理病害发生,保持较高的果实品质,但不影响果实软化。     

Nondestructive Methods to Evaluate Maturity Level of Oranges

The maturity on the tree and the ripening during postharvest of 2 orange varieties ( Citrus sinensis , cvs. Lanelate and Valencia) were evaluated, using 3 methods: the ratio soluble solids/titratable acidity (Maturity Index); the firmness, by hand densimeter, and the skin color with a portable colorimeter. The values of Color Index (1000a*/L*b*) and firmness complement each other for defining the maturity of tree fruit. Color and Maturity Indices are not correlated with time or weight losses during storage (8 °C) or with shelf life (20 °C). Firmness and weight loss are significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with each other, and both of them independently of each other, with postharvest time.     

Shelf-life extension of highbush blueberry using 1-methylcyclopropene stored under air and controlled atmosphere

The potential of 1-methylcyclopropene for controlling ripening in ‘Lateblue’ blueberry fruit was explored. After harvest, blueberry fruits were exposed to 1-MCP (0.3 and 0.6 μl l⁻¹). After treatment, samples were stored in air at 0 °C for 35 days and in a controlled atmosphere (3 kPa O₂ + 11 kPa CO₂) for 60 days. Quality parameters were monitored (weight loss, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, firmness, anthocyanin content, phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity). Blueberries treated with 1-MCP showed a reduced weight loss during storage and a lower total soluble solid content compared to untreated fruit. High titratable acidity values were observed after controlled atmosphere storage, but no significant effect of 1-MCP on this parameter was observed. 1-MCP had no significant effects on anthocyanins, phenolics or antioxidant activities.     

RIPENING AND QUALITY CHANGES IN MANGO FRUIT AS AFFECTED BY COATING WITH AN EDIBLE FILM

Mango fruit has a relatively short storage life of about 2 to 3 weeks at 13C. In order to prolong the storage life of ‘Haden’ mangoes, fruit were coated with 3 concentrations (8,16 and 24 g.L^?1) of the edible coating film “Semperfresh” and then stored at 13C and 85% RH. Fruit were then evaluated every 4 days for up to 32 days for total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, firmness, weight loss, color of the skin, and ascorbic acid content. All 3 concentrations applied to the fruit affected fruit ripening. TA, firmness, and green color were higher in coated fruit, and weight loss, SST, and pH were lower compared with the noncoated fruit. “Semperfresh” had no effect on decay development. Ascorbic acid decreased in all stored fruit, but this decrease was slower in coated fruit, and there were no significant differences between the different “Semperfresh” concentrations.     

EFFECT OF COLD STORAGE ON THE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘AU-RUBRUM’ PLUMS1

The effect of cold storage (0°C) and maturity on the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of plums (cv. ‘AU-Rubrum’) was determined. The size, weight, soluble solids and total sugar contents of the more mature fruit were significantly higher (P<0.05) and the “L” and hue angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) than plums in the less mature class. ‘AU-Rubrum’ fruit contained glucose, fructose and sorbitol but had no sucrose. Artificially ripening fruit at 20°C had a significant effect (P<0.01) on all color values for both maturity 1 and 2 fruit. The titratable acidity and sugar contents of the fruit ripened at 20°C were lower for ripened than for unripened fruit. Storage of the plums at 0°C for 5 weeks followed by subsequent ripening at 20°C had no significant effect on physical, chemical or sensory characteristics. Data indicate that ‘A U-Rubrum’ plums which have one-half red ground color (maturity 1) will develop full color and complete the normal ripening process. Data also indicate that the plums can be stored for at least 5 weeks at O°C without loss of quality and that the cultivar has potential for shipping to distant markets.     

QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT TOMATOES

Tomato fruit at pink or light-red stages of ripening were cut into slices, rinsed with water containing 50 μL.L⁻¹ sodium hypochlorite and drained. They were stored in perforated polyethylene package at 1C in air or controlled atmosphere for five and ten days. Weight loss, chlorophyll and lycopene contents, seed discoloration, fungal infection, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio, pH, flavor and taste, firmness, ascorbic acid content, rate of respiration and ethylene production, and electrolyte leakage were evaluated after each storage period. The overall quality of controlled atmosphere-stored slices was better than that of air stored slices. Slices from light-red fruit had lower weight loss, minimum seed discoloration, lower