Changes in the quality and content of carbohydrates in tropical and subtropical fruits at the supermarket level.
Heredia J. B., Siller J. H., Báez M. A., Araiza E., Portillo T., García R., Muy M. D.
Author Affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. - Unidad Culiacán, Pascual Orozco y Topolobampo 1603, Culiacán, Sin., Mexico.
Proceedings of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture 41 : 104-109
Abstract : Mangoes, bananas, guanabanas [Annona muricata], mamey sapotes [Pouteria sapota], pineapples, pawpaws, caimitos [Chrysophyllum cainito], jicamas [Pachyrhizus erosus], guavas, carissas [Carissa sp.], litchis, starfruits [carambolas], sapodillas, oranges, grapefruits and lemons were placed in simulated marketing conditions (20-23°C) and analysed every 2 days. Among the quality parameters evaluated, it was found that guanabana, litchi, lemon and banana fruits suffered the greatest weight losses. For soluble solids content, mamey sapote, banana, litchi and sapodilla fruits were the sweetest, while lemons, grapefruits, carissas and mangoes were the most acidic. In all the fruits, firmness deceased as maturity advanced. Sucrose was the main carbohydrate sugar in litchis, mamey sapote, mangoes, bananas, starfruits and sapodillas. Glucose was the dominant sugar in caimito and guanabana fruits, while fructose, was dominant in jicama and carissa fruits.