Physicochemical and chemical modifications of baby pitaya during its development

Abstract

The physical, chemical and physiological changes over the development of baby pitaya (Selenicereus setaceus) native fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado and sensory acceptability in different stages of maturation were studied. Flowers were marked at anthesis and fruit were collected every 7 days, from the date of its formation until abscission. The interval between anthesis until abscission of the fruit was 70 days, with the inflorescence occurring in late August and the first ripe fruit found in October and peak of production in November. The pattern of cumulative growth of the fruit followed a double sigmoid model, characterized by 2 phases of pronounced growth, with the final size obtained at 63 days after anthesis. The baby pitaya collected 63 days after anthesis was shown with a completely red peel (L*=46.52, a*=28.32, chlorophyll=0.79 mg.100g−1, betacyanin=1.28 mg.100g−1). The pulp showed marked changes in some chemical constituents, resulting in reduced contents of starch and titratable acidity and high concentrations of soluble solids and total sugars. Respiration and ethylene production by baby pitaya was shown with a slight decline over the assessment period, displaying a behavior similar to non-climacteric fruits, in addition to being characterized as a product with very low respiratory activity.