Additives and polythene bags in the preservation of passion fruit stored under refrigeration

Abstract

This research was carried out in 1987 and 1988 at the Agronomical Research Station of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Estação Experimental Agronômica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul), situated in Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil (30°06'S - 51°39'W), in order to study the effect of autocitrol wax, Tecto-600 and sodium hypochlorite, as well as the use of polythene bags on the preservation of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) stored under refrigeration at 6°C. Fruits under storage, sampled after 14, 28 and 42 days showed a reduction in total sugar content and acidity as well as an increase in the Brix/acid ratio. Soluble solids and reducing sugar content remained unchanged during the storage period. Packing of fruits in polythene bags avoided weight reduction and made possible their preservation for a period longer than that obtained by any other treatment Unpacked fruits had a higher percentage of juice and residue. Additives were not effective in the preservation of passion fruit.