Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 20, 2006
Publication Date: July 20, 2006
Citation: Saftner, R.A., Lester, G.E., Abbott, J.A. 2006. Fresh-cut chunks of a new orange-fleshed melon genotype: analytical and sensory comparisons to its inbred parents, and to commercial cantaloupe and green-fleshed honeydew harvested in winter.. [abstract]. HortScience. Paper No. 186. 41:1018.
Technical Abstract:
Technical Abstract: A new hybrid orange-fleshed netted melon has been bred specifically for use by the fresh-cut industry in winter. Quality characteristics of fresh-cut chunks from the hybrid were compared to those of its parental lines and to commercial cantaloupe and honeydew fruits available in winter. Female parent and hybrid chunks had higher soluble solids content (SSC) and firmness, and lower aromatic volatile concentrations versus that of the male parent. Hybrid chunks also had higher SSC (>3%) and were firmer (>5 N) than commercial fruit, and showed no appreciable differences in aromatic volatile concentrations to commercial honeydew or in surface color to commercial cantaloupe. Consumers liked the flavor, texture, sweetness and overall eating quality of the hybrid chunks better than those of its inbred parents and winter honeydew and as well as or better than that of winter cantaloupe. Hybrid fruit stored 5 weeks at 1 °C under modified atmospheric conditions, then fresh-cut and stored 14 d in air at 5 °C maintained good quality (firmness = 51 N, SSC = 12.2%, surface pH = 6.0, Beta-carotene and ascorbic acid concentrations = 14 and 182 mg kg-1, respectively), and showed no signs of tissue translucency or surface pitting despite microbial populations approaching 8 log cfu g-1. The results indicate that the orange-fleshed hybrid melon is a promising new melon type for fresh-cut processing, especially during the winter.
Printable Version
E-mail this page
