Chapter 7 - Growth, maturity, grade standards, and physico-mechanical characteristics of fruit

Abstract

Proper fruit growth and physiological maturity determine fruit characteristics and also influence grade and internal quality. Maturity indices for each variety vary according to climatic conditions and fruit harvested at optimum maturity only has its potential shelf life. Over-mature or immature fruit will not have desired internal and external quality attributes apart from unsatisfactory shelf life. Earlier Brix: Acidity ratio was considered as the maturity index for oranges, mandarins and grapefruits. Now new index that is BrimA has been adopted in several countries and it is considered as the best way to ascertain edible quality/palatability with flavour. Fruit grades, minimum requirements, tolerances for fruit size and quality need to be followed in domestic and international trade as per codex or national standards. Fruit physical and mechanical attributes are also important to design machinery for fruit handling and these characteristics depend on fruit growth and development. Hence, this chapter is devoted to all these aspects.