Ascorbic Acid Extends the Shelf-life of Abiu (<i>Pouteria caimito</i>) Fruit by Maintaining Quality and Delaying Browning Symptoms

Abstract

Abiu is a tropical fruit with many beneficial bioactive compounds. However, its economic value is limited by a short shelf life and rapid browning. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid on extending abiu fruit shelf life during storage. The fruit was soaked in ascorbic acid solutions of 0 mM (control), 5 mM (AA5), and 10 mM (AA10) for 10 minutes, air-dried, then stored in an ambient room (28 ± 1°C and 80 ± 5% RH) for 12 days. The results indicated that the 10 mM exogenous ascorbic acid treatment increased abiu fruit shelf life up to 12 days, nine days longer than the control. Abiu fruit, after the AA10 treatment, underwent a 1.4-fold lower weight loss than the control. In addition, on day 12 of storage, the browning of fruit with the AA10 treatment were 8 and 11% on the peel and pulp, respectively. The climacteric peak of abiu fruit in the AA10 treatment occurred on day 8 of storage, three days later than the control. The AA10 treatment also maintained vitamin C content and fruit firmness. Thus, the AA10 treatment effectively extended shelf life and maintained abiu fruit quality.