Physicochemical, Nutraceutical and Sensory Traits of Six Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse Conditions in the Mediterranean Climate

Abstract

Six papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars, grown in a Mediterranean climate under greenhouse conditions, were screened for physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, nutritional and sensory characteristics. The fruits, harvested with more than 50% of yellow surface (between 60% and 77%) were tested for carotenoids content, phenolic content, reducing activity (ABTS) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA50). The physicochemical traits were measured in terms of the titratable acidity and soluble content whereas proximal composition along with moisture, fats, total sugar, ash, vitamin A, C and E content. Moreover, the sensory profile was analyzed by a semi-trained panel. Although the six analyzed cultivars reached qualitative characteristics to satisfy market needs, significant differences among them were found in a genotype-dependent manner. In particular, Cartagena and Maradol cultivars evidenced the highest values of minerals and vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, ABTS and CAA50 and reached the best commercial requisites (size, total soluble solids content/titratable acidity ratio). As for sensory analysis, we observed significate differences only for sweetness, juiciness, odor and flavor of peach and exotic fruits whereas descriptors related to unpleasant defects or sensations always have very low scores in all the observed cultivars. These results highlight the possibility of obtaining quality papaya fruits in a Mediterranean climate using greenhouse growing.

Pomological, Sensorial, Nutritional and Nutraceutical Profile of Seven Cultivars of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill)

“…Our results, in agreement with other literature data, demonstrated that cherimoya is a tropical fruit with high nutritional value. Indeed, it had low fat content, while containing an amount of sugars and proteins generally higher than other common tropical fruits, including mango [ 7 ], kiwi [ 45 ], pineapple [ 46 ], and papaya [ 10 ].…”

“…In Europe, Spain is the most important producer of cherimoya fruits, and the most important cultivars are Campas and Fino de Jete , which are also the most widespread cultivars in the global market. In Italy, A. cherimola is well adapted to the pedoclimatic conditions of the tyrrhenian coastal areas of Sicily and Calabria, where there are good climate conditions for the production of other exotic and tropical fruits, such as loquat, mango, litchi, avocado, banana and papaya [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In particular, in Sicily, in addition to affirmed cultivars such as Fino de Jete , local ecotypes are also cultivated with very limited diffusion.…”

The Application of a Plant Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract Improved Tomato Fruit Development and Quality

“…The total content of sugars was determined as previously described [ 8 ]. Briefly, the fresh tomatoes were pulped and homogenized, and the resulting juices were vortexed (4000× g , 4 °C).…”

“…In order to quantify the protein content in tomatoes, we employed the Kjeldahl method as previously described [ 8 , 29 ]. Briefly, 1 gram of dried tomato sample was accurately weighed and then digested at 420 °C for 1 h with 10 mL of H 2 SO 4 .…”

“…Food safety is nowadays a primary concern for the vast majority of consumers [ 2 , 4 ], and in particular they are worried about chemical hazards, especially those perceived to be invisible and having long term effects or serious health implications [ 5 , 6 ]. For this reason, together with consumer awareness toward the benefits of food intake with high nutritional and nutraceutical properties [ 7 , 8 ], consumers’ preference for organic foods grown in an eco-sustainable way is also rising because they are perceived to be safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly [ 9 ].…”