Quality changes in fresh mango fruits (mangifera indica l. ‘nam dok mai’) under actual distribution temperature profile from Thailand to Japan

Abstract

studies to evaluate quality not just under unsteady conditions but also during a long supply chain. The present study aimed to obtain data that could be applied to quality control during the distribution. For this purpose, we used immature mango fruits transported immediately after harvest from Thailand by air, and then stored under the actual temperature condition of ocean freight shipping for 3 weeks in the laboratory. The postharvest ripening state of immature mango fruits was investigated by monitoring the changes in fruit hardness, peel color, ascorbic acid and sugar-acid ratio. supply chains. The mango is a climacteric fruit that ripens after harvest. Therefore, it is very important to treat immature fruits appropriately during lengthy distribution period which can takes approximately three weeks from Thailand to Japan by shipping. The present study aimed to determine the effects of postharvest distribution and storage temperature on physiological changes in fresh mango fruits ( Mangifera indica L. ‘Nam Dok Mai’) imported from Thailand to Japan. Immature mango fruits were utilized that were transported immediately after harvest from Thailand by air, and were then stored in the actual distribution temperature conditions of shipping for 3 weeks and also heated to 25°C for 16 (cid:1) 18 d in the laboratory. Postharvest ripening of immature mango fruits was observed as changes in fruit firmness, peel color, and sugar content under the storage conditions. Softening and coloring were induced during postharvest storage, especially in the first 4 d. After the first 4 d of maturation enhancement, the change in maturation level remained small.