Firmness Properties of Mangoes

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the firmness of mango fruit at different stages of maturity. Immature, mature, and over mature fruit from two Thai mango cultivars (Nam Dokmai and Chok Anan) were subjected to two firmness measuring techniques: a slow compression technique using the Universal Testing Machine and a high-speed impact sensing technique using the low-mass impact tester. The firmness of a mango as determined by the compression test was expressed by the slope of the force-deformation graph, while firmness values derived from the impact test were defined by the ratio between maximum acceleration and the corresponding time (the firmness index). A very good correlation between the two indicators was obtained. Each firmness indicator of the two cultivars remained relatively unchanged from the immature through to the fully mature stage, although firmness rapidly decreased as the fruit ripened. The Chok Anan cultivar was firmer than the Nam Dokmai type throughout the development period. The impact method was able to determine mango firmness rapidly, accurately, and non-destructively.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Enhances the Effectiveness of Coolbot™ Cold Storage to Preserve Postharvest Quality of Mango Fruits

“…Jarimopas and Kitthawee (2007) reported reduced activity of fruit softening enzymes including polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, pectatelyase and endo-β-1, 4-glucanase at low temperature. Colour change in mango fruits is attributed to breakdown of chlorophyll as new pigments (mainly carotenoids) are synthesized (Ueda, 2000).…”

Non-destructive maturity classification of mango based on physical, mechanical and optical properties

“…Firmness of mango fruit (cv. Nam Dokmai and Chok Anan) has been studied and found to remain relatively unchanged from the immature to the fully mature stages, although firmness rapidly decreased as the fruit ripened (Jarimopas and Kitthawee, 2007). There was a report on quantification of the mechanical characteristics of the textural profile of mango fruit, cv.…”

Maturity sorting index of dragon fruit: Hylocereus polyrhizus

“…Specific weight is also a physical and physiological property that is recognized by horticulturists and post harvest technologists. It has been investigated by researchers to determine the maturity of mango (Jarimopas and Kittawee, 2007), mangosteen (Sornsrivichai et al, 1999) as well as dragon fruit (Wanitchang and Jarimopas, 2008).…”

“…For example, Jarimopas and Kittawee (2007) subjected mango to slow compression as a means of determination of the relationship between firmness and maturity. They found that the slope remained constant from immaturity to maturity but decreased as the fruit became overmature.…”