Physico-chemical properties of Assam lemon ( Citrus limon Burm.) at different stages of fruit growth, development and storage
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CPGS, CAU, Imphal
Abstract
Assam lemon (Citrus limon Burm.) is an important seedless lemon cultivar which is widely grown in northeastern states of India. Assam lemon being acidic, is usually not consumed as fresh but is utilized in processing for production of squashes, cordials and pickles besides culinary and salad purposes. Assam lemon can be stored for 21 days at ambient conditions. However, during peak season a huge quantity of produce gets damaged during handling, transportation and marketing due to number of reasons. Keeping these in view, a study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical changes of Assam lemon at different stages of maturity and to evaluate the suitable packaging materials for shelf life extension of the fruit. For determining the optimum stage of harvesting, physico-chemical changes were monitored at 15 days interval from fruits set to 90 days and at 10 days interval from 90 days onwards from fruit set. On the other hand, for evaluation of suitable packaging materials during storage, physico-chemical changes were determined at 7, 21, 35, 56 and 77 days of storage using perforated (2, 6 and 10 pin hole) and non-perforated PP (Polypropylene), LDPE and LD+HM, and control. In the present investigation, it was found that fruits harvested at 120 to 130 days after fruit set (DAF) developed acceptable physico-chemical qualities with optimum fruit weight (109.28-112.95 g), juice content (37.68-41.23 %), titratable acidity (4.18-4.35%), TSS (�6.3 �Brix) and TSS: acidity (�1.51), and these may be considered as the most reliable maturity indices for taking harvest decision of Assam lemon fruit. On the other hand, changes in physico-chemical properties of the fruits were observed with the advancement of storage period irrespective of the packaging materials. However, the rate of change in packed fruit was comparatively slower as compared to that of control fruits. The present study revealed that packaging of fruits in perforated (2 pin hole) PP had distinct advantages over control and other packaging materials in respect of shelf life extension besides retention of other quality and nutritional value of the fruits. Assam lemon can be stored up to 21 days only in ambient conditions whereas extension of shelf life up to 77 days is possible by packing the fruits in perforated (2 pin hole) PP. Thus, it may be inferred that harvesting of Assam lemon at 120 to 130 days after fruit set and packaging of fruits in perforated (2 pin hole) PP could be suggested for obtaining the optimum and desirable qualities of the fruits with a better shelf life.