Postharvest modifications in fruits from 16 genotypes of west indian cherry stored under refrigeration

Abstract

This work had as objective to study post-harvest modifications in fruits from 16 genotypes of west indian cherry (Malpighia emarginata) cultivated in the Germoplasm Active Bank/UFRPE, evaluating the effect of refrigeration on physico-chemical and sensorial characteristics, in order to determine shelf life. Weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), pH, ascorbic acid (AA) and sensorial characteristics were evaluated during storage at 8 °C. Weight loss and the lack of brightness were limiting factors to discard the fruits in relation to in natura consumption. Refrigeration extended up to 11 days the fruits shelf life of genotypes 28, 29 and 43, and those from genotype 15 up to 15 days, therefore, the ascorbic acid levels of genotype 43 and the AA and TSS levels of genotype 15 did not reach the minimum values requested for industry and exportation. The genotypes 05 and 39 showed the highest AA level (3,017.1 and 2,266.66 mg 100 g^-1 of pulp, respectively), being considered promissing for this characteristic. The genotype 06 showed TSS and AA levels inside exportation and industry requirements, reaching up to 11 days shelf life, being also a promissing genotype.