Physico-chemical changes during maturity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) variety "Neelum".
Kudachikar V. B., Kulkarni S. G., Prakash M. N. K., Vasantha M. S., Prasad B. A., Ramana K. V. R.
Author Affiliation: Department of Fruit and Vegetable Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore - 570 013, India.
Journal of Food Science and Technology (Mysore) 38 : 540-542
Abstract : Studies were carried out on the physico-chemical composition of the developing mango (M. indica) fruits of variety Neelum during fruit maturation. The results showed that fruit growth in terms of weight, height and diameter was rapid initially with an increase in stone and pulp percentage up to 70 days after fruit set. The specific gravity and texture of the fruits (penetration, kg force) also increased with fruit development and reached a peak of 1.14 and 12.28 kg force, respectively, at 70 days after fruit set. Acidity and ascorbic acid content in developing fruits increased up to 90 and 70 days after fruit set, respectively, and then decreased to 1.5% and 70.5 mg/100 g, respectively, at 110 days after fruit set. The levels of total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars and total carotenoids increased gradually with maturity up to 120 days after fruit set. Results did not show significant changes in physico-chemical characteristics between 110 and 120 days after fruit set. Hence, the optimum stage of maturity for harvest of mango variety Neelum is 110 days after fruit set. TSS in the pulp and the penetration force of the fruit can also be used as indices for fixing the optimum stage of maturity for harvest of Neelum mangoes.