BEHAVIOR OF SAPOTE MAMEY (Pouteria sapota) FRUITS IN ATMOSPHERES WITH LOW O2 AND MODERATE CO2

Abstract

In this work we evaluated the storage of sapote mamey (Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H. E. Moore & Stearn) fruits in controlled atmospheres (CA) with low O₂ and moderate CO₂, regarding the postharvest shelf life. Fruits from Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, México, at physiological maturity were used. Three CA treatments were applied at 12 °C and 95 % RH, in O₂/CO₂ porcentual concentrations: 5/2, 5/4 and air (control). After 7, 14, 21 and 28 d of treatment ripening was evaluated at 28 °C and 80 % RH. The CA delayed ripening in relation to control and maintained fruits at preclimacteric stage, so that ripening requerid 4 to 6 d. Ripening increased total soluble solids (TTS) to values between 20 and 25 %, except in fruits of the treatment 5/4 applied for 28 d, where TTS was 15.5 %. A similar situation occurred with total sugar content. The best treatment was 5 % O₂ and 2 % CO₂, since with 5/4 ripening was achieved even after 28 d, but the capacity to develop adequate sensorial characteristics was lost.