Mango ripening: changes in cell wall constituents in relation to textural softening

Ripening of mango (Mangifera indica L., cv. Alphonso) fruit is characterized by a series of biochemical changes resulting in gradual textural softening. From unripe to ripe stage, the starch content came down from 18% to 0.1%; pectin from 1.9% to 0.5%; cellulose from 2% to 0.9% and hemicelluloses from 0.8% to 0.2%. Concomitantly, the total soluble solids increased from 7% to 20%, total soluble sugars from 1% to 15% and pH increased from 2.8 to 5.1. The increase in activity of several of the carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes, which resulted in solubilization of the various polysaccharide fractions, correlated with fruit‐softening phenomenon. Efficient distribution of ¹⁴C‐starch into glucose, fructose and sucrose revealed considerable sugar interconversions indicating active gluconeogenesis during mango fruit ripening. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry