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Title: NETTED MELONS (WESTERN SHIPPER, CHARENTAIS, GALIA, ANANAS, PERSIAN): POSTHARVEST QUALITY MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

Author
item Shellie, Krista
item Lester, Gene

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2000
Publication Date: 3/15/2002
Citation: K. C. Shellie and G. E. Lester. Netted Melons (Western Shipper, Charentais, Galia, Aranas, Persian) Postharvest Quality Maintenance Guidelines. IN: eds, Gross, Kenneth, Chien, Yi Wang, and Saltveit, Mikal. 2002. The commercial storage of fruits, vegetables, and florist and nursery crops. http://www.ba.ars.usda.gov/h666/index.html

Interpretive Summary: The interpretive summary is not required for the publication of a Book Chapter.

Technical Abstract: This article summarizes the scientific name of, quality characteristics and criteria for, horticultural maturity indices, grades, sizes and packaging requirements, pre-cooling conditions, optimum storage conditions, controlled atmosphere recommendations, retail outlet display considerations, postharvest pathology, quarantine issues, and suitability as a fresh-cut product for netted melons. Netted melons, commonly called cantaloupe or muskmelon, are members of the Cucurbitaceae family (Bailey 1976). A heavy, uniform, tan-colored net and bright orange flesh characterizes the external appearance of Western shipper and Eastern choice type melons. Eastern choice melons are often deeply sutured, while Western shipper melons usually lack sutures. Charentais, Galia, Ananas, and Persian melons are not commonly grown in the United States, but are gaining popularity as specialty melons. A minimum soluble solids concentration of 11 and 9%, respectively, is required for U.S. grades Fancy and U.S. No. 1. Stem separation and background rind color indicate acceptable maturity for harvest. There are six common size classes (9, 12, 15, 18, 23 and 30) based upon the number of fruit of uniform size and weight that fit into a standard, 40 lb. (18 kg) cardboard shipping box. Pre-cooling has been shown to extend shelf-life. Expected shelf-life at recommended conditions is 10 to 14 d. Controlled atmosphere in transit and/or storage has slight to moderate commercial potential for reducing ripening and extending shelf- life. The shelf-life of netted melons can be maximized by storage under refrigeration and by avoiding postharvest exposure to ethylene gas. Sensitivity to chilling decreases as fruit matures. Netted melons are climacteric fruits that produce ethylene.