Calidad poscosecha de naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam) y alternativas tecnológicas para retrasar el deterioro

Abstract

La naranjilla es una fruta exótica originaria de los sotobosques subtropicales de los Andes de Ecuador; crece principalmente en los flancos de la cordillera andina en sitios con buena humedad; y de gran importancia económica para el Ecuador. Durante la maduración pierde el color verde y gana tonalidades amarillo-naranja-rojo. Es climatérica, con buena acidez, sensible al daño por frío a temperaturas <7 °C y con baja vida útil poscosecha, lo que genera cuantiosas pérdidas al sector productivo. Generalmente, se la consume en fresco o es utilizada para la elaboración de refrescos, helados, dulces y gelatinas. El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación fue evaluar la calidad poscosecha de naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam) y alternativas tecnológicas para retrasar su deterioro. También, elaborar un producto panificado enriquecido con naranjilla.

Physiology and biochemistry of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam) fruit during postharvest and the main conservation strategies: A review

“…Andrade-Cuvi et al (2016) find similar results in three varieties of naranjilla, Inap-Quitoense ( 2009), Baeza and Agria, where the values of L* color coordinate (lightness) and b* chromatic coordinate (blue to yellow hue) increase by 20 and 30% at ripening stages and 3 to 5% in the three varieties evaluated. Likewise, Andrade-Cuvi et al (2019) find an increase in the chromatic coordinate a* (green to red hue) from 29.2 to 30.9 in the 21 d of sampling, attributed to the accumulation of compounds such as carotenoids replacing chlorophyll that is degraded by the action of chlorophyllase and chlorophyll oxidase (Arteaga Dalgo et al, 2014;Yahia & Carrillo-López, 2019).…”

“…Gamma radiation is non-thermal ionizing radiation emitted by cobalt ( 60 Co) or cesium ( 137 Cs) sources that generates an electromagnetic radiation of a very short wavelength, the same as occurs with X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible infrared, and microwaves (Andrade-Cuvi et al, 2019). The use of gamma radiation is focused on pest and disease control during postharvest; it does not generate environmental damage, does not alter the quality of the fruit, and it extends its postharvest shelf life (Lizarazo-Peña et al, 2022).…”

“…The use of gamma radiation is focused on pest and disease control during postharvest; it does not generate environmental damage, does not alter the quality of the fruit, and it extends its postharvest shelf life (Lizarazo-Peña et al, 2022). An evaluation of the effectiveness of gamma rays shows that treated fruits have a mild deterioration index compared to control fruits that show a severe damage index (Andrade-Cuvi et al, 2019). The shelf life of naranjilla treated with 500 Gy was increased by 7 d in relation to the fruits without treatment; however, the authors indicate that its use is limited due to the cost of application for practical purposes and access to this technology (Andrade-Cuvi et al, 2019).…”

“…An evaluation of the effectiveness of gamma rays shows that treated fruits have a mild deterioration index compared to control fruits that show a severe damage index (Andrade-Cuvi et al, 2019). The shelf life of naranjilla treated with 500 Gy was increased by 7 d in relation to the fruits without treatment; however, the authors indicate that its use is limited due to the cost of application for practical purposes and access to this technology (Andrade-Cuvi et al, 2019).…”