Effect of storage temperature on ripening and quality of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of storage temperature on ripening, shelf life and chemical composition of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits stored at 10,15,20 and 25°C was studied. The safe range of storage temperature was found to be between 15 and 20°C, with maximum shelf life at 15°C. The ripening of fruits was observed on days 4, 6 and 9 of storage at 25,20, and 15°C respectively. The colour of the pulp, texture, taste and flavour of ripe fruits held at 25 and 20°C were superior followed by fruits stored at 15°C. At 10°C, the fruits became hard with surface blackening, messy pulp and less sweetness. The major changes during ripening were a continuous decrease in fruit firmness and starch content and a continuous increase in TSS and sugars, the changes being more rapid at 25 and 20°C than at 15 and 10°C. The acidity and ascorbic acid contents increased slightly during the initial stages of ripening followed by a decline, in the fruits stored at different temperatures. Custard apple fruits stored at 25 and 20CC had a clear climacteric peak whereas those stored at 15 and 10°C did not show any distinct rise in respiration rate. Ethylene peak (2.40 µl kg–1 h–1) coincided with the respiratory climacteric at 25CC storage, corresponding with the peaks in TSS, sugars, ascorbic acid and acidity.