Postharvest physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of saramuyo (Annona squamosa L.) cultivated in Yucatan, Mexico

The fruit of Annona squamosa L. – better known as saramuyo or sweetsop – is generally well-accepted by consumers in tropical regions (including Mexico, where it is mainly cultivated in the state of Yucatan). Yet, little is still known about its physical, chemical, and physiological diversity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postharvest characteristics of four commercially promising ecotypes from the region of Oxkutzcab, Yucatan. More than 30 fruits of each ecotype were collected and screened for maturity stage, size, and absence of defects, before being stored at 26°C (80% RH) until fully ripe. The ecotype ‘Amarilla’ had both the largest polar diameter (7.2 cm) and highest weight (180.2 g) while the proportion of pulp, rind, rachis, and seeds in all four ecotypes was 41.9-46.6, 41.5-45.3, 1.7-2.0, and 8.8-10.6%, respectively. Fewest seed amount (37 vs. 43-51 in all other ecotypes) and lowest acidity (0.25%) were observed in ‘Morada’, while ‘Amarilla’ and ‘Rosa’ had the highest contents of total soluble solids (21.4 and 26.9%, respectively). Rates of respiration and of ethylene production were highest in ‘Rosa’, intermediate in ‘Verde’ and ‘Amarilla’, and lowest in ‘Morada’ (specifically, 87-200% lower CO₂ and ethylene production in ‘Morada’ compared to ‘Rosa’).