Qualidade pós-colheita de Physalis sob temperatura ambiente e refrigeração

Abstract

The Cabe-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a small fruit whose cultivation has been expanding in Brazil, however, information about its storage is still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of Cabe-gooseberry during storage at refrigerated and room temperature. The fruits were harvested when the calyx showed a greenish yellow color and submitted to the following treatments: 1 - storage at 20°C (± 0.5°C) and 2 - storage at 4°C (± 0.5°C). The quality parameters SS, TA, SS/TA, pH, firmness, color and fruit weight loss were evaluated every two days during eight days. The refrigeration promoted the maintenance of firmness and prevented the weight loss of the fruit and calyx. The soluble solids (SS) values reduced significantly, regardless of the storage temperature of the fruits. Furthermore, the fruits stored under refrigeration showed higher values of titratable acidity (TA), and therefore less SS/TA ratio. The results indicated that the changes in the quality parameters, pH, TA, SS/TA, firmness and color of Cabe-gooseberry during the storage can be minimized with the use of refrigeration (4°C).