Ebrahiema Arendse

Influence of storage temperature and duration on postharvest physico-chemical and mechanical properties of pomegranate fruit and arils

Physico-chemical and mechanical properties for pomegranate (cv. Wonderful) were determined during 5 months of storage at 5°C, 7.5°C, and 10°C with 92% relative humidity (RH) and at 21°C with 65% RH. The results showed that weight loss increased with temperature and storage period. Only fruits stored at 5°C and 7.5°C lasted for 5 months, with a weight loss of 27.67% and 45.67%, respectively. Furthermore, the primary source of moisture loss was the fruit peel, and this resulted in over 30% reduction in peel thickness after a 5-month storage period. Colors of fruit and arils decreased with prolonged storage duration. Furthermore, total soluble solid (TSS), pH, TSS:titratable acidity, and BrimA increased throughout the storage period. Fruit puncture resistance as well as fruit compression parameters such as firmness, toughness, and bioyield decreased with storage temperature and duration. These findings showed that fruit should be stored between 2 and 3 months at 5°C to ensure the best internal and external quality attributes.