Quality retention of selected exotic fruits: Balata (Manilkara bidentata), Spanish Tamarind (Vangueria edulis) and fresh-cut West Indian Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Purpose: Exotic fruits could fulfill global requirements of health-conscious consumers, providing efficient postharvest management protocols are implemented to assure safety and quality. Research Methods: Compositional changes of ripe balata fruits (Manilkara bidentata), were investigated when seal-packaged in low density polyethylene (LDPE) for ۷ days at ۶-۷°C and ۲۸-۳۰°C. Mature Spanish tamarind (Vangueria edulis) fruits were stored at ۲۰°C and ۳۰°C and ripening changes analyzed after ۳ days. Quarter-sliced mature-green (M۱) and ripe-yellow (M۲) West Indian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) were seal-packaged in LDPE at ۴-۵°C, ۷-۸°C and ۲۸-۳۰°C and evaluated over seven consecutive days. Findings: Balata seal-packaged in LDPE for ۷ days at ۶-۷°C and at ۲۸-۳۰°C, accounted for lower fresh weight losses, higher total soluble solids (TSS), pH, TSS:TTA, vitamin C, better skin-gloss appearance and more acceptable flavor than control fruits over the same period. Ripe Spanish tamarind stored at ۲۰°C and ۳۰°C and ۷۵-۸۵% relative humidity had a yellowish-brown skin and pulp color, TSS (۳.۰-۳.۱%), TTA (۲.۲۴g/۱۰۰g - ۲.۴۸g/۱۰۰g), TSS:TTA (۱:۱.۳), pH (۳.۴) and vitamin C (۱.۸۴ mg/۱۰۰g). West Indian lime M۲ quarter-slices at ۷-۸°C secured superior quality ratings due to the absence of chilling injury symptoms, cut-edge browning and fermentative aroma compared to similar treatments after ۴ days at ۴-۵°C. At ۲۸-۳۰°C, M۱ and M۲ became unmarketable in less than two days. Research Limitations: More cultivars required. Originality/value: The unique postharvest quality characteristics of exotic fruits could be successfully managed to fulfill the basic requirements of health-conscious consumers and to exploit existing and potential niche markets.

Keywords:

chilling injury , Exotics , modified atmosphere packaging , storage , total soluble solids