Comparing the differences in quality profiles and antioxidant activity in seven pumpkin cultivars (Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima) at harvest and during postharvest storage

Abstract

Pumpkin, nutritious vegetable, is renowned for its extended shelf life. In this study, seven pumpkin cultivars from Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima were comparatively characterized for 25 physiochemical quality factors, starch granule structures, antioxidant activity, and correlations at 0–60 days of postharvest (dop). The findings revealed that sucrose and carotenoid contents increased in C. moschata, while they initially increased and then decreased in C. maxima. Additionally, acidity, primarily driven by malic acid, decreased in C. maxima but increased in C. maxima. The starch content of C. moschata and C. maxima reached its maximum value at 30 dop and 20 dop, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity correlated with the carotenoid content in both pumpkin species. Conclusively, C. moschata demonstrated improved nutritional and quality at 20–30 dop, while C. maxima exhibited higher commercial suitability at 10–20 dop. The findings suggested that pumpkin storage was crucial for quality improvement.