quality retention of selected exotic fruits: balata (manilkara bidentata), spanish tamarind (vangueria edulis) and fresh-cut west indian lime (citrus aurantifolia)

Purpose: exotic fruits could fulfill global requirements of healthconsciousconsumers, providing efficient postharvest managementprotocols are implemented to assure safety and quality. researchmethods: compositional changes of ripe balata fruits (manilkarabidentata), were investigated when seal-packaged in low densitypolyethylene (ldpe) for 7 days at 6-7°c and 28-30°c. mature spanishtamarind (vangueria edulis) fruits were stored at 20°c and 30°c andripening changes analyzed after 3 days. quarter-sliced mature-green(m1) and ripe-yellow (m2) west indian lime (citrus aurantifolia)were seal-packaged in ldpe at 4-5°c, 7-8°c and 28-30°c andevaluated over seven consecutive days. findings: balata sealpackagedin ldpe for 7 days at 6-7°c and at 28-30°c, accounted forlower fresh weight losses, higher total soluble solids (tss), ph,tss:tta, vitamin c, better skin-gloss appearance and moreacceptable flavor than control fruits over the same period. ripespanish tamarind stored at 20°c and 30°c and 75-85% relativehumidity had a yellowish-brown skin and pulp color, tss (3.0-3.1%),tta (2.24g/100g - 2.48g/100g), tss:tta (1:1.3), ph (3.4) and vitaminc (1.84 mg/100g). west indian lime m2 quarter-slices at 7-8°csecured superior quality ratings due to the absence of chilling injurysymptoms, cut-edge browning and fermentative aroma comparedto similar treatments after 4 days at 4-5°c. at 28-30°c, m1 and m2became unmarketable in less than two days. research limitations:more cultivars required. originality/value: the unique postharvestquality characteristics of exotic fruits could be successfully managedto fulfill the basic requirements of health-conscious consumers andto exploit existing and potential niche markets.