Effects of Heat Treatment on Postharvest Quality of Mango Fruits

Abstract

Mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.) were harvested at the preclimacteric stage. Fruits were immersed in 38, 42, 46, 50, and 54°C heated water for 30, 60, and 45 min prior to storage at 5°C for 2, 4, or 6 weeks in carton boxes. After storage, they were kept at 20°C. Fruits were evaluated for pulp color, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, ß-carotene content, reducing sugars and visible symptoms of chilling injury. Heated water had no significant effect on pulp color parameters (lightness, hue, and chroma). Soluble solids concentration, ß-carotene content and reducing sugars were higher in heated than in nonheated fruit after ripening. The chilling index was three-fold lower in treated than nontreated fruit. During storage and after removal at 20°C, hot-water-treated fruits ripened faster than nontreated fruits. Results of this study indicate that mango tolerance to chilling temperatures may increase after prestorage heat treatments.