Postharvest profile of a Solo variety Trangi' during ripening at ambient temperature

Changes in physical, chemical properties and antioxidant levels during postharvest ripening of 'Frangi' papaya (Carica papaya L) were studied over a period of eight days after harvest. In general, a significant increase in weight loss (2.5-8%), lightness value (49.54-63.1), chroma (32.3-59.3), soluble solids concentration (7.9-17.6%), ascorbic acid content (169-322 mg 100 g(-1) fresh weight (FW)), total phenolic content (0.515-0.686 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) g-1 FW), ethylene production (5.83-81.3 mu l kg(-1) h(-1)), respiration rate (24.5-59.0 ml CO2 kg(-1) h(-1)), beta-carotene (0.045-0.201 mg 100 g(-1) FW) and lycopene content (0.08-0.244 mg 100 g(-1) FW) was observed during storage, whereas there were a reduction in titratable acidity (0.162-0.075%), firmness (108-7.7 N) and hue angle (157-96.8 degrees). 'Frangi' papaya particularly after 4 days of ambient storage showed improved antioxidant activity (0.32-1.55 mM Fe(II)g(-1) FW). (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.