POSTHARVEST BEHAVIOR OF NANCE (Byrsonima crassifolia) FRUITS UNDER REFRIGERATION

Abstract

The nance fruit (Byrsonima crassifolia L.) is harvested when it falls by abscission from the tree and has a shelf life of less than 5 d at 20 °C. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of handling the nance fruit under refrigeration conditions on its physiological behavior to favor the extension of shelf life. Fruits at consumption maturity were stored at 4, 8 and 20 °C (control) for 20 d. Fruits had an average weight of 4.93 g, total soluble solids content of 11.5 °Brix and color attributes of 66.5 %, 58.6 and 80.7° in lightness, chroma, and hue angle, respectively. The fruits handled at 4 and 8 °C were evaluated 1 and 2 d after their transfer to a condition of 20 °C. The use of refrigeration reduced weight loss, without significant changes in color. Refrigeration reduced the loss of firmness, but handling at 4 °C inreased softening after transfer to 20 °C. The respiratory activity was not affected by refrigeration, but the production of ethylene and the content of total soluble phenols and total flavonoids increased in relation to the control. An increase in electrolyte leakage and oxidative stress, evaluated by the peroxidase enzyme activity, were observed in treatments at 4 °C, relative to the control and to the treatment at 8 °C. It was concluded that the handling of nance fruits at consumption maturity at 8 °C in postharvest is feasible.