Changes in pectinases, dietary fibers, and physicochemical indices related to the flavor of cubiu fruits during ripening

• Published in: Acta scientiarum. Agronomy Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 171 - 179
• Main Authors: Andrade Júnior, Moacir Couto de, Andrade, Jerusa Souza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maringa Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - EDUEM 2015; Eduem (Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá)
• Subjects: AGRONOMY; Dietary fiber; fruit peel color; Fruits; Herbal medicine; medicinal plants; Pectin; pectin concentration; Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal; fruit peel color; plantas medicinais; Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal; coloração da casca de frutos; concentração de pectina; medicinal plants; pectin concentration
• ISSN: 1679-9275; 1807-8621; 1807-8621
• DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v37i2.19683

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the activity of pectinases (pectinesterase and polygalacturonase), dietary fiber content (alcohol-insoluble solids, pectin, and total fiber), and physicochemical indices related to the flavor (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, Brix/acid ratio, and reducing and nonreducing sugars) of cubiu fruits (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) at different stages of ripening (green, turning, ripe, and fully ripe). Alcohol-insoluble solids and pectin were very similar, with the highest levels detected at the green and turning stages, and the lowest levels occurring at the fully ripe stage. The amount of total fiber was consistent at the green, turning, and ripe stages, but declined at the fully ripe stage. These changes correlated with the pectinase activities, the profiles of which resembled those of other species of the Solanaceae family during fruit ripening. However, cubiu fruits were significant sources of dietary fiber at all stages. The reducing sugar content reached the highest level at the turning stage, with glucose as the major sugar. The content of nonreducing sugars, such as sucrose, remained low at all stages. The other physicochemical indices displayed increases during ripening, characterizing cubiu as a very acidic fruit with a small degree of sweetness.