Postharvest Application of Sulphur Dioxide Fumigation to Improve Quality and Storage Ability of "Red Globe" Grape Cultivar During Long Cold Storage

Table grape cv 'Red Globe' is produced in Sicily and in other areas of Southern Italy. This produce is very appreciated by consumers, having the best rankings in the world market for exports and quality. Nevertheless, despite it is a non-climacteric fruit, table grape is very perishable, both after harvest, and during postharvest handling and cold storage. In fact, also at low temperatures, table grape is very sensitive to fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) and other diseases, like gray mold, which is very aggressive. For this reason, a standard practice is to fumigate table grape with sulphur dioxide (SO2), after storage in chambers. The growing market request of table grape cv. 'Red Glob…

Innovative tecniche nella produzione e nella termo conservazione delle uve da tavola in Sicilia

Shelf-Life and Quality of Fresh-Cut Peach Cv ‘Ruby Rich’ at Different Maturity Stage

‘Ruby Rich’ is a yellow-flesh peach cultivar that ripens during the last week of May and the first of June. This fruit is characterized by distinct colour and size, which make it highly appreciated by consumers, particularly, in the local markets. However, is known about ‘Ruby Rich’ minimal processing physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive atmosphere, during 12 d, on shelf-life and quality of fresh cut peach fruit, at different ripening stages. ‘Ruby Rich’ peach fruits were picked at mature-green stage (MG) (55.0 ± 0.5 N), and ripe stage (RP) (35.7 ± 0.7 N) determined by flesh firmness. Fruits were washed, peeled, sliced and stored for 0, 3, 5, 7 and 12 d…

Root growth and soil carbon turnover in Opuntia ficus-indica as affected by soil volume availability

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of soil volume restriction, i.e. root confinement, on below-and-above ground growth of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill) as well as the effect on root architecture and turnover, and soil carbon turnover. In May 2014, 1- year-old cladodes were planted in five different pots size (50, 33, 18, 9 and 5 L). Soil samples were collected from each pot and dried before SOC and δ13C determination. Roots of each plant were divided visually into three groups depending on their diameter, and then measured and weighed. Results indicated a significant effect of soil volume and sampling dates on total root length, root dry mass and δ13…

Attitudine alla frigo-conservazione di frutti di pesco (Prunus Persica L. Batsch) a polpa bianca

SENSORY EVALUATION AND SUITABILITY FOR FRESH-CUT PRODUCE OF WHITE PEACH [PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH] 'SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA'

‘Settembrina di Bivona’ peaches were cut into slices to assess their suitability as fresh-cut produce. Untreated (control) and treated with calcium lactate fresh cut slices were closed in plastic boxes for 24 hours (T1) or five days of storage (T2) at 5°C, and then placed at 20°C to assess consumers’ liking. Soluble solids content, titratable acidity, firmness and pH were measured. A sample of n = 750 consumers was selected taking into consideration three variables: age (from 25 to 55 years old), professional status (employed) and aptitude to buy fresh-cut fruit for personal use. A systematic sampling was used, with a detection point based in a properly selected supermarket during t…

Qualitative traits and shelf life of fig fruit (cv Melanzana) treated with Aloe vera gel coating

The fig (Ficus carica L.) cv Melanzana is typical of Southern Italy. This cultivar produces breba fruit in June and fig fruit in August. Some previous studies on the use of coatings extracted from stems of Aloe vera showed positive effects to maintain fruit quality during shelf life. However, there are no studies on breba fig fruit treated with Aloe vera coating. In this study breba fig fruit, cv Melanzana, was treated with an application of Aloe vera gel, sealed in macro-perforated bag and stored at 5°C for 10 days. The effect of application of the Aloe vera gel on the shelf-life of this fruit, and its quality attributes after application were evaluated measuring fresh weight, total solubl…

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes of ‘pesca di bivona’ peaches (Prunus persica L.) during storage

“Pesca di Bivona” ‘Murtiddara’, ‘Bianca’, ‘Agostina’, and ‘Settembrina’ are non-melting white flesh peach landraces characterized by a persistent aroma and excellent flavour highly appreciated by Italian consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles after storage at 0 °C for 28 days, using destructive and non-destructive analyses. The IAD index, measured either at harvest or at fruit removal from cold storage, was correlated to TSS, TA and firmness of all the landraces. ‘Settembrina’ and ‘Agostina’ harvested at the right ripening time (50.5 ± 4.3 N) and stored at 0 °C during 4 weeks kept harvest quality in terms of sensorial attributes, …

PREDICTION OF HARVEST TIME IN PEACH [PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH] FRUIT USING THE DA-METER

The aim of this work was to define the most appropriate time of harvesting early ripening peach fruit using destructive and non-destructive quality indexes such as the index of absorbance (IAD), measured with the DA-Meter, a portable equipment able to measure the degradation of chlorophyll in the pericarp. In this context our research was carried out in 2009 and 2010 on several peach cultivars. Total soluble solid content increased while flesh firmness and total acidity decreased with IAD values, but no significant correlation was found between destructive and non-destructive parameters.

Chemical–physical characteristics, polyphenolic content and total antioxidant activity of three Italian-grown pomegranate cultivars

Background: In Mediterranean countries, there is an increasing demand for pomegranate fruits due to their antioxidant properties and nutritional values. The large diffusion of new genotypes and cultivars requires the knowledge of all fruit characteristics in connection with the cultivation area, to satisfy the market demand. This study seeks to determine the fruit quality attributes and nutraceutical values of three pomegranate cultivars (Wonderful, Acco and Kamel) grown in the Mediterranean climate. Methods: The fruits were evaluated for their main physico-chemical traits (weight, volume, height, width, thickness, total arils number, total arils weight, juiciness, fruit index, peel index a…

Effect of Three Different Aloe vera Gel-Based Edible Coatings on the Quality of Fresh-Cut “Hayward” Kiwifruits

In recent years, the market for minimally processed fruit has increased. Fresh-cut fruits are characterized by a short shelf life due to the processing phases that accelerate the ripening courses. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect on the quality of fresh-cut Hayward kiwis of three different edible coatings based on (1) Aloe vera gel, (2) Aloe vera gel + hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and (3) Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil. Fruit firmness, weight loss, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, microbial load and sensory analysis were evaluated as fresh after 2, 4, 7 and 10 days. Aloe vera gel and Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil maintained the best values, as they…

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes of organically grown Ficus carica L.

This study evaluates some physical and chemical characteristics and sensory descriptors of fig fruit cultivars ‘Petrelli’ and ‘Fico di Terlizzi’, belonging to the national germplasm bank of fig trees and cultivated in Southern Italy. For the sensory evaluation of external appearance, the descriptors skin color, pulp color, odor, sweetness, stickiness, bitterness, juiciness, firmness, tannic taste and presence of achenes were measured. Results showed that fresh weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS:TA, firmness, and sensory properties were different for the two cultivars. SSC was more correlated with sensory attributes than TA, but other factors were also important…

Effects of gellan-based coating application on litchi fruit quality traits

The use of gellan-based coating formulation on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn. ‘Wai Chee’) fruit was investigated in order to determine its ability to improve color conservation and to maintain the overall quality. Fruits were treated with gellanbased coating (0.5% w/v) and glycerol (3% w/v) after dipping in ascorbic acid (1.5% w/v) and then stored at 5°C and 90% relative humidity for 15 days. Changes in peel color, soluble solid content, tritatable acidity, weight loss, antioxidant activity and phenolic content, were measured. Formulations containing gellan-based coating exhibited slightly improved water barrier properties and showed their active role in maintaining color characteristics an…

Yield, pomological characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Annona cherimola Mill. grown in mediterranean climate

The agronomic and qualitative responses of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit grown in Mediterranean climate are not properly studied. Fruits of Fino de Jete, the most diffused worldwide cultivar of cherimoya, and Torre 1 a new genotype obtained by breeding program in Sicily, Italy, were collected at commercial ripening and subjected to productive (yield efficiency, number of fruits, crop load), analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, seed number, peel and pulp weight, pulp/seed ratio and colorimetric analysis), bioactive compound content (total antioxidant activity, Phenolic and Carotenoi…

EFFECT OF PASSIVE ATMOSPHERE AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON FRESH CUT OF WHITE-FLESH PEACH CULTIVAR 'SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA'

Peach germplasm in Italy includes white- and yellow-flesh peaches, all of them characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor. However, their behavior, in terms of postharvest maintenance and suitability for minimal processing, has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of passive atmosphere and chemical treatment, with 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lactate, in order to prevent fruit browning and to maintain the quality of fresh cut slices of the white-flesh peach cultivar ‘Settembrina di Bivona’. To achieve a passive atmosphere condition, approximately 150 g of peach fruit slices were placed in rigid bi-oriented polystyrene bags and sto…

POLLEN MORPHOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES IN OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA (L.) MILL.

The fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., the most worldwide cultivated species of Cactaceae family, contain viable seeds (100-250) of large size. This characteristic influences the commercial quality of the fruit. The study of floral biology in Opuntia allows to understand the behaviour of the plant during reproductive phase and perhaps to distinguish clones with different fruits behaviour (with seed and seedless). The study resulted in a palynological characterization by optical and scanning microscopy (SEM), followed by a qualitative analysis on the male line with pollen viability and in vitro germination tests, in addition to a pollen-pistil interaction survey. The plant material c…

Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on post harvest quality of white flesh loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit.

Effetto del trattamento con 1-meticiclopropene su frutti di mango (Mangifera indica L.) della cul ti var Kei tt, conservati a temperatura ambiente

Il Mango (Mangifera indica L.) è un frutto climaterico sensibile alle basse temperature e con una vita post-raccolta relativemente breve. L’obiettivo della ricerca è stato quello di valutare l’effetto dell’ 1-metilciclopropene (1-MCP), applicato a temperature ambiente, sulla conservazione di frutti di mango della cv Keitt. I frutti di Keitt, cultivar a maturazione tardiva, sono stati raccolti, presso un’azienda commerciale, sita a Furiano, in provincia di Messina (38°3' N, 14°33' E; 5 m s.l.m.). Immediatamente dopo la raccolta, sui frutti sono state effettuate le analisi chimico-fisiche: peso, consistenza, contenuto in solidi solubili, acidità titola- bile, colore, ecc. I frutti sono sta…

Sensory quality and suitability for conservation of fresh-cut peach (cv Settembrina of Bivona)

The Effect of Soil Volume Availability on Opuntia ficus-indica Canopy and Root Growth

The study investigated the effect of soil volume restriction on the below- and above-ground growth of Opuntia ficus-indica through understanding the limit imposed by root confinement via different soil volumes on root and canopy architecture and growth. In 2014, one-year-old O. ficus-indica cladodes were planted in five different soil volumes (50, 33, 18, 9 and 5 L). The cladode and roots of each sampled plants were measured and weighed every six months

Effects of Rapid Refrigeration and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Fruit Quality Traits

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit characterized by a rapid pericarp browning and dehydration during postharvest, resulting in an accelerated shelf life and in a loss of consumer appreciation and consequently of its market value. The aim of our study was to assess litchi fruit chemical-physical and sensory quality changes during postharvest and shelf life using rapid refrigeration (RR) and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Litchi fruits were picked at commercial harvest and were divided in 4 groups: not treated fruit (CTR); rapid refrigerated fruit (RRF); modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP); hydrogen peroxide treated and modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP+).…

The Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage and Aloe arborescens as Edible Coatings to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Slices

Edible coatings (EC) with mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica or Aloe arborescens are promising to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit products by reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. In this work, fresh-cut kiwifruits (cv. Hayward) were coated in solutions with mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (MC) and A. arborescens (AL). We used three alternative treatments with AL or MC, MC+AL, and with distilled water as control, and stored in passive atmosphere at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, and 9 d, respectively. For all treatments at each storage period, firmness, weight loss, color, visual quality score, respiration rate, pectin content, and microbiological characteristics were observed…

Evoluzione della maturazione dei frutti di pesco Settembrina di leonforte e Tardiva di Leonforte.

The effect of two growth bio regulators on the physiological, phenological and qualitative parameters of peach tree production

The risk that plants have not accumulated sufficient chilling units (CU) and the economic interest in anticipating flowering have led to growing scientific interest in the use of bio plant regulators to stop dormant peach trees in farms that use agronomic particulates in precision farming protocols. The trials were conducted in 2016 and 2017, on peach trees of the cultivar Maycrest, grown in a commercial orchard located in Metaponto, Basilicata (Southern Italy). A complete randomization experimental scheme was adopted; three theses (control, Fast and Regular® and Asy 23) and two different intervention periods have been provided for, the doses used have been 500g/hl for Fast & Regular® a…

Nanoassemblies Based on Supramolecular Complexes of Nonionic Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin and Sorafenib as Effective Weapons to Kill Human HCC Cells

Sorafenib (Sor), an effective chemiotherapeutic drug utilized against hepatocellular carcinoma (HOC), robustly interacts with nonionic amphiphilic cyclodextrin (aCD, SC6OH), forming, in aqueous solution, supramolecular complexes that behave as building blocks of highly water-dispersible colloidal nanoassemblies. SC6OH/Sor complex has been characterized by complementary spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis, steady-state fluorescence and anisotropy, resonance light scattering and H-1 NMR. The spectroscopic evidences and experiments carried out in the presence of an adamantane derivative, which competes with drug for CD cavity, agree with the entrapment of Sor in aCD, pointing out the role…

Dry matter accumulation and seasonal partitioning in mature Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. fruiting trees

Aim of this study was to understand the allocation of biomass into different canopy and root components and to measure the stem area index and its partitioning by cladode functionality (age), for fruiting Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) Gialla trees, spaced 6x5 m apart and trained to a globe. The net primary productivity (NPP), calculated taking into account dry weight gain for above-ground vegetative components of OFI trees was 3.6 t C ha –1 . Including the fruit component and 1 st flush current-year cladodes, NPP of above-ground components becomes 12 t ha –1 , equivalent to 5.4 t C ha –1 . Current-year cladodes were the highest C sink (49% of total annual C fixed in the canopy), secondary grow…

La confezione in atmosfera controllata migliora la qualità post-raccolta del lici

La coltivazione del frutto in Sicilia è una realtà in espansione e su cui in futuro puntare. Necessario affinare le tecniche di conservazione per allungare la shelf-life dei frutti di lici

Effect of fruit-set time on the quality performance of Anona cherimola Mill. fruit in south italy

Abstract The aim of this work was to analyse the differences between fruits obtained by different dates of fruit set and identify the proper fruit-set time that allows to obtain the optimum fruit quality in Annona cherimola cv Fino de Jete, planted in Southern Italy. Six fruit-set dates were selected from the first week of June to the second week of July. Fruits were sampled from October to November, when 1500 Growing Degree Days (DD) were accumulated; The DD were calculated using a base temperature of 12 °C. Fruit fresh weight (FW) and skin colour were measured. These parameters were measured also after storage, and in addition, the following parameters were measured: fruit shape (FS), pul…

Effects of combinational use of controlled atmosphere, cold storage and edible coating applications on shelf life and quality attributes of fresh-cut persimmon fruit

Abstract Background Persimmon fruits are cherished for their unique flavor and high nutrient content. In the present study, the effects of Aloe vera-based edible coatings (EC) added with 1% ascorbic acid, 1% citric acid and 5% calcium chloride in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and their impact on shelf-life quality of fresh-cut persimmon fruit, were investigated. The experimental design consisted of four treatments 1) Aloe vera edible coating + modified atmosphere packaging (EC + MAP), 2) untreated fruit packaged with MAP (CTR + MAP); 3) Aloe vera-based edible coating in passive atmosphere (EC PASSIVE); 4) untreated fruit in passive atmosphere (CTR PASSIVE). Persimmon fruit were stored…

Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Chitosan Treatment on Quality and Sensorial Parameters of Minimally Processed cv. ‘Italia’ Table Grapes

Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit, very sensitive to water loss and gray mold during postharvest handling and storage. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of modified atmosphere packaging and chitosan treatment on quality and sensorial parameters of minimally processed cv. ‘Italia’ table grape during cold storage (14 days at 5 °C) and shelf-life (7 and 14 days of cold storage plus 5 days at 20 °C), reproducing a retail sales condition. Our data showed a significant effect of high CO2-modified atmosphere in combination with chitosan and alone on preserving quality, sensorial parameters, and delaying decay of minimally processed table grape. The most effective treatment in t…

Yield, pomological characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of <i>Annona cherimola Mill.</i> grown in mediterranean climate

The agronomic and qualitative responses of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit grown in Mediterranean climate are not properly studied. Fruits of Fino de Jete, the most diffused worldwide cultivar of cherimoya, and Torre 1 a new genotype obtained by breeding program in Sicily, Italy, were collected at commercial ripening and subjected to productive (yield efficiency, number of fruits, crop load), analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, seed number, peel and pulp weight, pulp/seed ratio and colorimetric analysis), bioactive compound content (total antioxidant activity, Phenolic and Carotenoi…

Fruit Ripening Evolution in Settembrina di Leonforte and Gialla Tardiva di Leonforte Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] Ecotypes

The aim of this research was to define the most appropriate harvesting time for the late ripening peach ecotypes Gialla Tardiva di Leonforte and Settembrina di Leonforte. Farmers used to apply a paper bag to each fruit to protect it from Mediterranean fruit fly egg-laying. The use of this cultivation practice reduces the use of pesticides with a major impact on consumer choice, but makes it more difficult to identify fruit commercial harvest time. The study was carried out using destructive quality indexes and the DA-Meter. The results showed a good correlation between DA-Meter classes and the chemical and physical characteristics of the fruit, giving useful information on fruit ripening an…

Fruit ripening evolution in ‘Settembrina di Leonforte’ and ‘Tardiva di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) ecotypes.

Verifica dell'attività di promotore nutrizionale e di interruttore di dormienza di due regolatori di crescita in pesco

Frigoconservazione ed edible coating per la conservazione post-raccolta dei frutti della pesca Settembrina

Da quanto emerso dai dati strumentali, l’applicazione del rivestimento a base di Aloe sui frutti di pesca “Settembrina”, sia in maniera singola che congiunta con 1 MCP, consente di rallentare i processi metabolici, permettendo, quindi, il mantenimento del colore dei frutti nel tempo e prevenendo la degradazione di tutti i composti nutrizionali e bioattivi utili a conferire al frutto serbevolezza e pregevoli caratteristiche organolettiche. Quanto riscontrato, si potrebbe tradurre in un vantaggio per il produttore che, usufruendo di una tecnologia semplice ed ecosostenibile dal punto di vista ambientale, potrebbe offrire al consumatore frutti dalla elevata shelf life con elevati standard qual…

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on cactus pear fruit at different maturity stages during storage

1-Methylcyclopropene (1‑MCP) is an ethylene antagonist widely used to retain quality and prolong the postharvest storage period of various climacteric fruits. To date, there is little information about the effects of 1‑MCP on postharvest storage performance of cactus pear fruits. Recently, data revealed that exposure of 1‑MCP at 1000 ppb had several beneficial effects in preserving postharvest quality of cactus pear fruits, as indicated by inhibition of peel color change. In this paper, we investigated the effect of 1‑MCP on quality of cactus pear fruit harvested from the scozzolatura crop at early and late ripeness stages. Fruit was tested at two different ripening stages: “commercial ripe…

The use of MAP for maintaining quality of ‘Bifara’ fig fruits

Bifara is an old cultivar of Sicilians breba fig (Ficus carica L.). Several studies on market trends and consumer preferences show that fresh fruit is required to have a good visual appearance and to be without defects on the skin in order to be considered fresh and healthy. Breba fig is a climacteric fruit that ripens very rapidly, and therefore, once harvested, it must be kept under low temperature. To reduce the respiration rate of this fruit and increase its postharvest life, effectiveness of low temperature storage was studied on ‘Bifara’ fig fruit, either placed in Modified Atmosphere Packaging MAP (20 kPa O2 and 15 kPa CO2) bags and stored for 3, 5, 7, and 10 days at 5°C and 90% RH. …

New Clones and Old Varieties: Quality of Sicilian Hillside Apple Cultivation

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the qualitative characteristics of the new clones according to the Mediterranean hillside growing environment and, at the same time, to highlight the qualitative peculiarities of the old varieties in order to avoid genetic loss. Introduction: Several apple varieties are constantly selected for improved quality traits and introduced for cultivation and marketing in addition to a few traditional and affirmed varieties. On the other side, local genotype and ancient varieties are still valorised due to the request of a niche market. Methods: We have studied the physico-chemical quality and the sensory traits of the fruit obtained in this particular en…

Consumer preferences for fig fruit (Ficus carica L.) quality attributes and postharvest storage at low temperature by in-store survey and focus group

Fig (Ficus carica L.) is cultivated mainly in southern Italy and in several countries of the Mediterranean area. According to official statistics the quantities of fresh fig placed on domestic market are low, though the home consumption is known to be relatively high in summer. The objective of this study was to discover consumers’ preferences for sensory, quality attributes of fresh fig and primary drivers of liking, in order to enhance fruit marketing value. An in-store consumer test and two focus groups were carried out to assess preferences in regards to fresh figs after 3 and 7 days of storage at low temperature: the selected sensory, intrinsic and extrinsic attributes were ranked by c…

Indagine sulle pesche di IV gamma della cv Settembrina di Bivona sottoposta a diversi trattamenti antiossidanti

Use of Aloe vera gel-based edible coating with natural anti-browning and anti-oxidant additives to improve post-harvest quality of fresh-cut 'Fuji' apple

Recently, there is increasing use of edible and biodegradable films and packaging that are both environmentally friendly and functional for storage and market distribution. Fresh-cut &lsquo

Influence of an evoked pleasant consumption context on consumers’ hedonic evaluation for minimally processed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit

Awareness of the need to consider a consumption context when measuring the consumer's hedonic evaluation of a food product led researchers to investigate differences among responses given by consumers in different contexts. Previous studies measured the effects of evoking a consumption context, by using photographs or a written scenario, on hedonic evaluations of consumers for food products. This study investigated the influence of evoking a consumption context on hedonic evaluation of minimally processed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit, using pictures and memories of pleasant personal experiences. A hedonic scale method for measuring food preferences was used. Hedonic evaluation o…

Aloe-Based Edible Coating to Maintain Quality of Fresh-Cut Italian Pears (Pyrus communis L.) during Cold Storage

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ pears were investigated: EC1 (A. vera gel, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose and pomegranate seeds oil (PSO), EC2 (A. vera gel and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose). Weight loss, firmness and colour decrease more slowly in both EC-treated than in untreated (CTR) slices; soluble solid content increases faster in CTR, indicating a faster ripening process. The specific investigation of undesired microorganisms di…

Pomegranate Cultivation in Mediterranean Climate: Plant Adaptation and Fruit Quality of ‘Mollar de Elche’ and ‘Wonderful’ Cultivars

Two pomegranate cultivars, Mollar de Elche, native to Spain, and Wonderful, the most widely cultivated pomegranate variety in the world, were studied in a commercial orchard in Sicily, and their phenological behavior was compared. During the development of the fruit, their dimensional growth was monitored, and after harvest, physicochemical and sensory analyses were carried out to highlight the differences between fruit of the two cultivars. Results showed that Mollar de Elche fruit require less time from flowering to fruit maturity, resulting in an earlier harvest, which was due also to a higher relative growth rate of the fruit&rsquo

EFFECT OF FRUIT-SET TIME ON THE QUALITY PERFORMANCE OF ANNONA CHERIMOLA MILL. FRUIT

The aim of this work was to analyze the differences between fruits obtained by different dates of fruit set and identify the proper fruit-set time that allows to obtain the optimum fruit quality in Annona cherimola cv Fino de Jete, planted in Southern Italy. Six fruit-set dates were selected from the first week of June to the second week of July. Fruits were sampled from October to November, when 1500 Growing Degree Days (DD) were accumulated; The DD were calculated using a base temperature of 12 °C. Fruit fresh weight (FW) and skin colour were measured. These parameters were measured also after storage, and in addition, the following parameters were measured: fruit shape (FS), pulp colour,…

Evoluzione delle caratteristiche qualitative dell’uva da tavola (Vitis vinifera L.) in IV gamma nel post-raccolta

La coltivazione del melograno in Sicilia: qualità dei frutti e adattamento di due cultivar

Nel presente lavoro sono stati monitorati gli stadi fenologici di due varietà di melograno durante una stagione produttiva al fine di studiarne l’evoluzione e l’adattamento utilizzando la scala BCH. I risultati hanno permesso di valutare l’andamento vegeto-produttivo di queste varietà di melograno in clima mediterraneo.

Effetto del grado di maturazione sui frutti di ficodindia (O. ficus-indica (L.) Miller) minimamente processati.

Evoluzione della maturazione della “Pesca di Bivona” e risposta fisiologica della cv Agostina a differenti temperature di conservazione

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on quality parameters of minimally processed table grape during cold storage

‘Vittoria’ and ‘Red Globe’ table grapes were packed in microperforated polypropylene films (passive MAP) and non-perforated polyethylene (active MAP: 1) 20% CO2 + air; 2) 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N) and stored at 5 °C for 28 days. Microperforated polypropylene packages had the highest postharvest performance in both cultivars until 14 days of cold storage, with reduced weight losses, rachis and berry decay. Total soluble solids content slightly increased in non-perforated polyethylene boxes as a consequence of the higher weight losses, particularly in active MAP with 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N, while no significant differences were found for titratable acidity. Non-perforated polyethylene packages showed…

Introduction: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Agri-food Supply Chain

The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unclear, but the link with the presence in the food chain of wild animals for human consumption has been claimed as one of the possible sources of the so-called “spillover” of the virus. Food safety throughout the food chain, from field to fork, is one of the most critical issues of the food industry, and significant differences still exist from country to country concerning food production systems, postharvest management, trading, and retail organization. The effect of the pandemic has touched all steps of the food chain.

The influence of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on the quality of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit slices

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the effect of mucilage edible coating extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) on the quality and shelf life maintenance of packaged kiwifruit slices. OFI mucilage alone or added with TWEEN ® 20 were applied on kiwifruit fresh cut surfaces. After treatments, kiwifruit samples were stored under passive atmosphere at 5 ± 1 °C for 3, 5, 7 and 12 days. At each storage period, visual quality and flavor score, pectin content, ascorbic acid and the microbiological characteristics were measured together with CO 2 and O 2 content in the packages. Kiwifruit slices coated only with mucilage or with mucilage plus Tween 20, showed a significant higher firmness…

Extending the Shelf Life of White Peach Fruit with 1-Methylcyclopropene and Aloe arborescens Edible Coating

The maintenance of high-quality standards for prolonging the shelf life of fruit and preserving sensory and nutritional quality is a priority for horticultural products. The aim of this work is to test the effectiveness of a single treatment of edible coating based on Aloe arborescens (EC) and a combined treatment of 1-methylcycyclopropene (1-MCP) and edible coating to prolong the shelf life of &ldquo

Effect of Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Mulberry Fruit (Morus alba L. cv Kokuso 21)

The control of temperature and gas composition is essential to maintain the fresh flavor and quality of perishable fruits like mulberry. This study presented a modified atmosphere experiment (MAP) for fresh fruit showing the potential benefits of innovative gas mixing with argon. The effects of MAP were studied on the physicochemical and qualitative attributes of mulberry preserved at4±1°C and90±5%R.H. Fresh mulberries were packaged with different gas combinations: MAP1 (4%O2+6%CO2+90%N2), MAP2 (10%O2+5%CO2+85%Ar), CTR1 (20.9%O2+0.04%CO2), and CTR2 (10%O2+5%CO2+85%N2). Changes in quality parameters were evaluated after 0, 4, 8, and 12 days of storage. Mulberries packaged with MAP had a lowe…

OTTIMIZZAZIONE DEL GRADO DI MATURAZIONE E DELLA FRIGOCONSERVAZIONE DEI FRUTTI DELLA CULTIVAR DI PESCO BIANCA DI BIVONA

Non-destructive determination of ‘Big Bang’ nectarine quality and harvest maturity

In nectarines, potential shelf life and quality at consumption are closely related to the ripeness stage of fruit at harvest. Usually, the harvest is based on color, firmness, sugar and acids content of fruit, although these determinations are carried out through destructive methods and in a limited number of samples. The technique of Vis/Nir spectroscopy is used for the development of a non-destructive index based on the difference of absorbance (IDA) between two wavelengths near the absorption peak of chlorophyll-a, and it allows monitoring of changes in ripeness processes directly in the field. The objective of this paper is to track changes in quality that occur during nectarine ripenes…

THE “BIOTECHNICAL” ROLE OF SALSOLA AGRIGENTINA GUSS. IN THE ENVIRONMENT PLANNING AS A CONSERVATION STRATEGY

Phytogeography studies are very important in environment planning, and especially in nature restoration where endemic or rare species as Salsola agrigentina Guss. can be used. These species represent the more suitable plants to be used within the protected areas. So the study on their features and aptitude in nature restoration (biotechnical role) is strongly required and also is related to nursery activity useful for a good ex situ conservation strategy of these taxa. Salsola agrigentina is endemic to Sicily island growing on soils of evaroritic origin. By ecological point of view, the species takes part in typical halo-nitrophilous thicket characterised by a relevant presence Chenopodiace…

Genotype influence on shelf life behaviour of minimal processed loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit: the role of sugar, acid organics and phenolic compounds

AbstractBackgroundLoquat cultivars cultivated in Southern Italy are very appreciated by consumers for their sensorial characteristics, such as persistent aroma and taste. Apposite maturity indexes for peeling and processing loquat fruit were investigated to increase diffusion of minimally processed loquat. The genotype’s effect on the minimally processed loquat fruit shelf life and quality harvested at commercial maturity (80% yellow color) was investigated on peeled fruit stored at 5 °C for 10 days. The role of sugars, organic acids and phenols composition was observed through in depth qualitative analysis. In addition, several qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the quality…

Fresh-Cut Mangoes: How to Increase Shelf Life by Using Neem Oil Edible Coating

The mango is the most widely cultivated tropical fruit. Fresh-cut mango is very useful, but it is very perishable. The purpose of this study was to highlight the effects of neem oil on fresh-cut mango fruits kept for 9 days at 4 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% relative humidity. The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) has numerous antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Despite this, very few studies have been carried out on neem oil added to edible coatings (EC) to retard ripening processes. Two formulations were tested: EC1 (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose + CaCl2) and EC2 (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose + CaCl2 + neem oil), both compared with an untreated sample (control). Physicochemica…

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES OF AGRIGENTO WITH REFERENCE TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Quality changes in fresh-cut mango cubes submitted to different gas partial pressure of active MAPs

The study was performed to assess chemical-physical and sensory quality changes in 4±1°C stored fresh-cut mangos and to test the effect of active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different gas partial pressures. Sicilian fruits of ‘Keitt’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) were immerged in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) after being peeled. Next, the flesh was cut in cubes and dipped in citric acid (0.5%, w/v) and ascorbic acid (0.5%, w/v). Treated fruits were placed in a non-perforated high density polyethylene package flushing different gas mixtures and kept at 4°C for 21 days. We used four different gas partial pressures: a) 60 kPa N2, 30 kPa CO2 and 10 kPa O2; b) 30 kPa CO2 and 70 kPa N2; c) …

Fresh-cut storage of fruit and fresh-cuts affects the behaviour of minimally processed Big Bang nectarines ( Prunus persica L. Batsch) during shelf life

Abstract Nectarine can be minimally processed to successfully produce ready-to-eat fresh-cuts fruit. The aim of this work was to study the combined effect of the ripening stage of cold stored fruit before processing and the length of the storage period of fresh-cut slices after minimal processing, on the behaviour of minimally processed “Big Bang” nectarines during shelf life. ‘Big Bang’nectarine slices obtained from fruit stored at 1 ± 0.5 °C (RH = 90%) for 1 d, 10 d and 15 d were stored for 0, 3, 5, 7, 12 d. at 5 °C. At the end of each storage period, visual quality, color (L*, a* and b*), phenols and carothenoids content, TSS, TA were measured together with in-package CO2 and O2. Despite…

Manuale tecnico applicativo Progetto: “Innova Uva Mazzarone I.U.M.

Il ficodindia, stato attuale e prospettive della coltura e dell’uso dei suoi frutti

Il ficodindia continua ad essere una realtà importante in alcune zone semi-aride della Sicilia, arrivando sui mercati anche con la denominazione di origine protetta e, in diversi casi, con la produzione biologica. Negli ultimi venticinque anni il modello italiano è stato largamente utilizzato come punto di riferimento tecnico in tutti i nuovi impianti diffusi ormai in Nord Africa o in California, Cile, Argentina, Sud Africa e nel Vicino Oriente. Tentativi di diffusione esistono anche in India, mentre nel Corno d’Africa c’è ormai una produzioni stabile e importante su diverse migliaia di ettari. Questa specie continua ad avere un ruolo fondamentale, se non insostituibile, nelle regioni semi-…

The effect of soil volume on the growth of roots and canopy of Opuntia ficus-indica

The influence of soil volume on root development and canopy growth rates of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) was studied at Palermo University, Italy, in 2014-2016. In November 2014, 60 1-year-old O. ficus-indica cladodes were planted in pots containing five different soil volumes, 50, 33, 18, 9 or 5 L, in a complete randomized design with three replications. Root dry mass, total number of cladodes and canopy dry mass were measured after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The results revealed a significant effect of soil volume and sampling time and their interaction (P<0.01) on root dry mass, total number of cladodes and canopy dry mass. Root dry mass ranged between 23 and 206 g, with the highe…

L’AMPIA VALENZA ECOLOGICA DELLA CV CERASUOLA DI Olea europaea L.E LO STANDARD QUALITATIVO DEL SUO OLIO EXTRAVERGINE

QUALITÀ SENSORIALE E IDONEITÀ ALLA CONSERVAZIONE DELLA PESCA CV SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA

Physicochemical, Nutraceutical and Sensory Traits of Six Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse Conditions in the Mediterranean Climate

Six papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars, grown in a Mediterranean climate under greenhouse conditions, were screened for physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, nutritional and sensory characteristics. The fruits, harvested with more than 50% of yellow surface (between 60% and 77%) were tested for carotenoids content, phenolic content, reducing activity (ABTS) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA50). The physicochemical traits were measured in terms of the titratable acidity and soluble content whereas proximal composition along with moisture, fats, total sugar, ash, vitamin A, C and E content. Moreover, the sensory profile was analyzed by a semi-trained panel. Although the six …

IL RUOLO DELLA PRATERIA A LYGEUM SPARTUM L. NELLA RIQUALIFICAZIONE DEL PAESAGGIO VEGETALE

COME MASSIMIZZARE LA QUALITÀ DELL’OLIO DI CERASUOLA

Melograno, studio sulla qualità degli arilli con la conservazione in atmosfera modificata

In conclusione possiamo dire che lo studio sull’ applicazione della tecnologia MAP su arilli di melograno ha dimostrato la sua applicabilità e la sua efficacia per tutto il tempo di conservazione, mostrando, congiuntamente alle analisi sensoriali, un miglior mantenimento delle caratteristiche qualitative fino a 8 giorni di conservazione alla temperatura di 4±1°C con umidità relativa del 90-95%. Successivamente ad 8 giorni di conservazione gli arilli, pur mantenendo buoni parametri qualitativi, subiscono un eccessivo calo nella valutazione sensoriale, tale da non giustificare l’applicazione della tecnologia MAP. Infine, la sperimentazione effettuata ha dimostrato che l’utilizzo di Argon nell…

Pera Coscia siciliana di IV gamma, effetti degli edible coating sulla qualità dei frutti

Questo studio ha voluto mettere in evidenza gli effetti dell’edible coating nel tempo, in particolare individuando le differenze nel mantenimento delle caratteristiche fisico-chimiche e sensoriali tra frutti di pero trattati e quelli di controllo. Dall’analisi dei risultati ottenuti è emerso che i trattamenti hanno consentito di ottenere effetti positivi sui parametri qualitativi considerati, permettendo una più lunga conservazione. Infatti, durante la frigoconservazione, i frutti che hanno subito i trattamenti (AVG+HPMC+PEO - EC1 e AVG+HPMC - EC2) hanno mostrato risultati migliori rispetto ai frutti non trattati (CTR), mantenendo, durante i 7 giorni di conservazione, valori più elevati in …

Quality Changes of Tropical and Subtropical Fresh-Cut Fruits Mix in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Application of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for shelf life extension of mixed pineapple slices, mango pieces and orange segments, was evaluated. Fruits of Ananas cv ‘Gold’, Mango cv ‘Keitt’ and Orange cv ‘Washington Navel’ were washed, sanitized, peeled and cut. Minimal processed fruits were packed under 2 different atmospheres, passive (air) and active MAP (70% N2, 10 %O2, 20 %CO2), and stored at 10±1 °C with 85±5% RH for 12 days. Changes in package atmosphere composition, weight loss, color, texture, pH, soluble solids, sensory attributes, were evaluated after cutting and at three subsequent stages of storage (the 3 day, 6d, 9d, and the 12 day). Color parameters L* and b* s…

Consumer acceptance and primary drivers of liking for small fruits

Small fruit grow naturally in northern Italy, but also in the Sicilian region (southern Italy) there are some areas with the essential climatic conditions for the development of this crop. Nevertheless, according to official statistics, the quantities of fresh small fruits placed on the Italian market are lower than in other European countries. The objective of this study was to assess consumer acceptance for sensory attributes and other intrinsic and extrinsic quality parameters of fresh small fruit, in order to know the primary drivers of liking and have a first understanding of reasons for the poor domestic consumption. Six focus groups with sensory test were carried out to assess consum…

Risposte qualitative alla lunga conservazione dell’ Uva Italia in post raccolta

Le pesche di Leonforte, tradizione e apprezzamento dei mercati

Il rilevante potenziale genetico della pesca origina in Sicilia un notevole patrimonio varietale con cicli fenologici idonei a creare epoche di maturazione dei frutti la cui durata si prolunga fino all’autunno. Tale diversità dei cicli fenologici, legata alla presenza in Sicilia di un bioclima caratterizzato da 6 differenti termotipi e 7 ombrotipi che originano 23 tipi bioclimatici, ha ben presto messo in luce le caratteristiche vocazionali di specifici areali produttivi. In particolare, negli areali interni e collinari, ad altitudine compresa tra 300 e 750 m s.l.m., si è affermata la produzione di frutti in epoca medio-tardiva basata su varietà di tipo tradizionale, a polpa bianca o gialla…

Colture tropicali in clima mediterraneo, ecco il mango “made in Italy”

IUna specie accreditata di ampie possibilità di successo grazie alla vocazionalità già accertata di alcune aree siciliane e alla crescita dei consumi. La qualità elemento essenziale nel favorire la fidelizzazione degli acquirenti in alternativa ai prodotti importati, tendenzialmente immaturi.

Pasta experience: Eating with the five senses - a pilot study

Dried pasta is the Italian food “par excellence”. Traditional foods have characteristics that can stimulate or evoke in the consumer sensorial stimuli and experiences, especially when these foods are consumed in a typical-traditional restaurant. Traditional restaurants can use sensory marketing as a promotional advantage, creating a unique and original atmosphere that can represent their main way of differentiation. The aims of this paper are to know consumer liking with regard to two high quality types of Sicilian pasta, common dried pasta, and whole-wheat pasta, consumed in three different venues of a typical-traditional Italian franchised restaurant, and to measure the influence of envir…

Calcium Ascorbate Coating Improves Postharvest Quality and Storability of Fresh-Cut Slices of Coscia and Abate Fétel Pears (Pyrus communis L.)

Flesh firmness is closely related to fruit ripeness and is typically a reliable indicator of shelf-life potential so it could be considered a crucial quality index for the determination of pear quality. Flesh softening after cutting could considerably affect consumer acceptance of fresh-cut pears (Pyrus communis L.). Indeed, mechanical stress (cutting, peeling, etc.) could lead to ethylene production that results in the hydrolysis of pectic substances in the cell walls. The effectiveness of an edible coating treatment on the physical-chemical, nutraceutical, and sensorial analysis was evaluated on two pear cultivars: the summer-ripening ‘Coscia’ and the late-ripening ‘Abat…

Citrus History, Taxonomy, Breeding, and Fruit Quality

In May, every year since 1857, in the great park of Sans-Souci in Potsdam just outside Berlin—a park begun in 1745 by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenzollern and expanded a century later by Frederick William IV—the doors of the great Orangerie open in and a Renaissance-style garden called Sizilianischer Garten is set up. On horse-drawn carriages,large olive and citrus trees are brought outdoors, and are then raised in masters. For the young European who, in the second half of the 18th century and in the first decades of the following, traveled to Italy to see and study Renaissance culture and the remains of Greek civilization, the citrus species and fruits and groves of southern Italy became t…

Food quality and nutraceutical value of nine cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits grown in Mediterranean subtropical environment

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) quality is strongly influenced by genotype but individuating the most appropriate harvesting time is essential to obtain high quality fruits. In this trial we studied the influences of the ripening stage at harvest (mature-ripe or green-ripe) on quality of ready to eat mango fruits from nine cultivars (Carrie, Keitt, Glenn, Manzanillo, Maya, Rosa, Osteen, Tommy Atkins and Kensington Pride) grown in the Mediterranean subtropical climate through physicochemical, nutraceutical, and sensory analysis. Our results show a large variability among the different observed genotypes and in dependence of the ripening stage at harvest. With the exception of Rosa, mature-ripe f…

FROM FLESH TO JUICE, ONE FRUIT’S EXTRAORDINARY QUALITIES

Food Quality, Sensory Attributes and Nutraceutical Value of Fresh “Osteen” Mango Fruit Grown under Mediterranean Subtropical Climate Compared to Imported Fruit

Mango is a fruit with a very short shelf-life due to its rapid ripeness after harvest

Evoluzione delle caratteristiche qualitative dei frutti di pesco lungo la filiera con l’ausilio del DA-Meter.

CO2 uptake of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. whole trees and single cladodes, in relation to plant water status and cladode age

Most of net photosynthesis determinations in Opuntia ficus-indica come from measurements on individual cladodes. However, they have limitations when used to scale up to whole canopy gas exchange, because a large variability of carbon assimilation may occur within the canopy, due to, among others, differences in cladode age and intercepted radiation or individual cladode response to abiotic stresses. The aim of this work was to evaluate the application of open gas exchange chambers, simultaneously applied around the whole canopy, to measure net CO 2 uptake, continuously over a 24 h period, in single Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. potted trees and in relation with their water status. Net CO2…

Nuove introduzioni varietali di mango in Sicilia: qualità chimico-fisica e sensoriale dei frutti

Il recente boom dei consumi di mango (Mangifera indica L.) nel mercato europeo ha visto un aumento esponenziale delle superfici coltivate nelle aree vocate nel Bacino del Mediterraneo e l’introduzione di nuove varietà provenienti dai Paesi tropicali. Ai frutti importati dai paesi leader produttori, oggi si affiancano anche quelli siciliani che, potendo raggiungere in breve tempo qualsiasi mercato europeo, vengono lasciati maturare all’albero ottenendo livelli qualitativi migliori in termini di gusto e aroma. Obiettivo di questa ricerca è stato quello di valutare la risposta qualitativa dei frutti delle nuove cultivar in termini di qualità e di risposta all’ambiente di coltivazione mediterra…

Effect of passive atmosphere and chemical treatment on fresh cut of white flesh peach cultivar Settembrina di Bivona

Effects of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging conditions on quality parameters of minimally processed table grapes during cold storage

BACKGROUND: Table grape is a non-climacteric berry, sensitive to water loss and gray mold during postharvest storage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging on quality parameters of minimally processed table grapes. METHODS: 'Red Globe' minimally processed table grapes were dipped in a sodium hypochlorite solution and irradiated with ultraviolet-C, before being packaged in a rigid polypropylene boxes, sealed with a micro perforated polypropylene film (PP) or a continuous polyethylene film, with: a) 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + 80% N (PET1); b) 20% CO2 + air (PET2). Samples were stored at 5°C for 21 days plus and additional 6-day period at 20°C to simulate s…

Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality of white- and yellow-flesh loquat (Eriobotrya japonicaLindl.) fruit

Introduction. The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were evaluated on white-flesh cv. Claudia and yellow-flesh cv. Nespolone di Trabia loquat fruit. Materials and methods. Application of 1-MCP ((0.5 to 1) µL⋅L -1 for 20 h)) was monitored at 20 °C (7 days) and 0 °C (7 days at 0 °C and then 7 days at 20 °C). Results. Treatments with 1-MCP slowed fruit softening, depending on the concentration. Softening inhibition was greatest in fruit treated and held at 20 °C. The optimum concentration for softening inhibition at 20 °C was 1µ L ⋅L -1 of 1-MCP, while 0.5 µL⋅L -1 of 1-MCP was more effective at 0 °C. Conclusion. Treatments with 1-MCP inhibited titratable acidity loss in both cultivars. 1…

Evaluation of quality attributes and consumer preference of fresh or imported mangoes in Italy

Mango is a climacteric fruit with a very short shelf-life due to its rapid ripeness after harvest. Generally, fruit from tropical countries and directed to longer transportation (EU markets), are in general harvested firm, before complete ripening (mature-green stage). This harvest practice usefully for mango fruit storability and transportability, generally causes fruits quality and taste decrease. The present study was conducted to evaluate quality attributes and consumer preference of fresh or imported mangoes in Italy. Mango fruit imported from abroad (cv Keitt, Kent and Osteen) were collected from 2 different large-scale organized distribution markets (LD). Mango fruits (cv Keitt, Kent…

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes of Ficus carica L

The aim of this research was to evaluate the relationship between some physical and chemical characteristics and sensory descriptors of fig fruits ‘Dottato’ and ‘Melanzana’, belonging to the national germplasm bank of fig trees and cultivated in Southern Italy. The sensory principal descriptors used are external appearance, skin color, pulp color, odor, sweetness, stickiness, bitterness, juiciness, firmness, tannic taste and presence of achenes. Fresh weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS:TA, firmness, and sensory properties changed with cultivar. SSC was more correlated with sensory attributes than TA, but other factors may also be important in controlling this r…

The effectiveness of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on postharvest maintenance of ‘Dottato’ fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit

Abstract Breba figs are highly perishable and their shelf-life is very short. In this study, breba figs (cv. ‘Dottato’) were treated with a mucilage solution of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes, sealed in plastic bags, and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. The effect of the edible coating on the shelf-life and qualitative attributes of the fruit were evaluated by colors, content of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenol, total carotenoids. Results showed that coating improves the quality of breba fig during storage. The edible coating was effective in maintaining fruit fresh weight, visual score values, fruit firmness and total carotenoid content. Coated fruit showed a significantly …

Influenza dei fattori preraccolta sulla qualità e sulle performance

I fattori ambientali e colturali interagiscono con lo sviluppo e la maturazione dei frutti e hanno, quindi, una grande influenza sulle loro caratteristiche fisiche e organolettiche e sulla performance della loro durata in post raccolta. In generale i processi di crescita sono il risultato dell’integrazione tra il potenziale di sviluppo (domanda di assimilati) di un organo e l’effettiva disponibilità di risorse; in questo senso, le condizioni ambientali o, meglio, le interazioni genotipo- ambiente, condizionano il potenziale di crescita di un frutto che si realizza, quindi, in funzione dell’effettiva disponibilità di risorse e, ancor di più, dei rapporti di competizione dei singoli organi (s…

Utilizzo del DA-Meter nella valutazione qualitativa dei frutti di pesco in Sicilia

Consumer Assessment on Sensory Attributes of Fresh Table Grapes Cv 'Italia' and 'Red Globe' after Long Cold Storage Treatment

The impact of research that is being carried out into the relationship between food and consumers is progressively reinforced by continuous findings in literature confirming that consumers choose foods basing on their functional cognition and sensory perception, especially when buying fruit and vegetables. Therefore, it is important for table grape producers to be aware of consumers' concerns and preferences both, during the purchasing stage and after, during consumption at home, when experiential attributes have more importance. In both cases, sensory attributes play an important role in determining consumers’ purchase behavior of table grape. Table grapes cv ‘Italia’ and ‘Red Globe’ are p…

Postharvest Application of Aloe vera Gel-Based Edible Coating to Improve the Quality and Storage Stability of Fresh-Cut Papaya

Ready-to-eat products are damaged by various factors, including exposure to O2 and CO2, extreme temperatures, and rapid decay, due to trauma during processing. The use of natural antimicrobial agents and antioxidants might extend the shelf-life of the fruits. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of four different antibrowning and gelling agents added into the Aloe vera gel-based edible coatings and applied to fresh-cut papaya. EC1 treatment consists of Aloe vera gel (30% v/v), EC2 contains CaCl2 (5% v/v), EC3 contains K carrageenan (0.5% v/v), and EC4 contains sodium alginate (1.5% v/v) and K carrageenan (0.5% v/v). The fruits treated with EC2 showed the best results while mai…

The Influence of Fruit Ripening Stage at Harvest and Storage Temperature on ‘Bianca di Bivona’ White Flesh Peaches

‘Bianca di Bivona’ is a white-flesh peach cultivar, which ripens during the last week of July and the first of August. Its fruit are known because of their distinct flavor and aroma, which make them highly accepted, particularly in the local markets. However, nothing is known about their postharvest physiology and storage conditions. In order to investigate the effect of: (a) fruit ripening stage at harvest and, (b) storage temperatures, ‘Bianca di Bivona’ peaches were picked at mature-green, (60.0±1.3 N), and ripe stage (30.7 ± 2.1 N) determined by flesh firmness, and then stored at 0°C and 5°C (90% RH). Flesh firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, weight loss and DA index, me…

The influence of harvest period and fruit ripeness at harvest on minimally processed cactus pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) stored under passive atmosphere

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of (a) harvest season (summer and late crop), (b) fruit ripening stage at harvest and (c) time of storage, on the quality of minimal processed cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica ). Fresh cut peeled cactus pears harvested at commercial harvest stage or when ripe on tree in August (summer crop) and October (late crop), were stored for 3, 5, 7 and 12 d at 5 °C and 95% RH in polyethylene terephthalate ( PET) packages under passive atmosphere conditions. Visual quality and crunchiness score, flesh color, microbiological analysis, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), total phenolics, ascorbic acid and β-carotene contents were…

Effects of Argon-Based and Nitrogen-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology on the Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Wonderful) Arils

Ready-to-eat pomegranate arils are considered a “functional food” for their health benefits and have desirable sensory characteristics, which have caused an increasing interest by the consumers for this product. The preparation process of ready-to-eat fruit products can cause severe injuries and worsen their quality and shelf life significantly. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used broadly in the last years to maintain the quality of processed fruits and showed optimal results, in spite of the possible problems caused by the depletion of O2 and corresponding accumulation of CO2 in the package. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different MAP treatments, based o…

Variability of sensory profile and quality characteristics for ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica Batsch) fresh-cut slices during storage

Abstract Peach genotypes in Southern Italy include the white-flesh ‘Pesca di Bivona’ (‘Murtiddara’, ‘Bianca’, ‘Agostina’ and ‘Settembrina’) and the yellow-flesh ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ (‘Settembrina’, ‘Giallone’ and ‘Ottobrina’ ) landraces, with non-melting clingstone fruit, characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor that is highly appreciated by consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of these white- and yellow-flesh landraces to be processed as fresh-cut product with regard to the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles. Fruit of ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ landraces were cut into slices and stored at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, 12 d. Fre…

Effect of low SO2 postharvest treatment on quality parameters of ‘Italia’ table grape during prolonged cold storage

Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit with a low rate of physiological activity, very sensitive to water loss and fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) during postharvest handling and cold storage. Gray mold is the most aggressive postharvest disease, because of its ability to develop at low temperatures, for that reason, it is standard practice to fumigate with sulfur dioxide (SO2) immediately after packing. ‘Italia’ table grape boxes were stored at 2°C for 4 months in a storage room with low concentrations of SO2 (0.20%) to extend their postharvest shelf life. Every 15 days, a sample of ‘Italia’ table grapes boxes was moved to 20°C for 3 days for the shelf life simulation. During storage, …

Conservazione post-raccolta e analisi sensoriale della pesca di Bivona

Tree-Ripe Mango Fruit: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Properties and Sensory Profile of Six Mediterranean-Grown Cultivars

Some of the key components that contribute to the acceptance of high-quality fresh mangoes by consumers are its flavour, odour, texture and chemical constituents that depend mainly on level of maturity. In the European market, the demand for tree-ripened fruit has increased in recent decades. Nevertheless, the qualitative response and the marketable characteristics of tree-ripened mango fruit grown in the Mediterranean area are not yet studied. Tree-ripened fruits of cv Keitt, Glenn, Osteen, Maya, Kensington Pride and Tommy Atkins were submitted to analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed wei…