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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #147312
Title: FRESH-CUT QUALITY EVALUATIONS FOR NUMEROUS, DIVERSE MUSKMELONS

Author
item Beaulieu, John
item Lea, Jeanne

Submitted to: International Fresh Cut Produce Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/6/2003
Publication Date: 4/1/2003
Citation: Beaulieu, J.C., Lea, J.M. 2003. FRESH-CUT QUALITY EVALUATIONS FOR NUMEROUS, DIVERSE MUSKMELONS. International Fresh Cut Produce Association.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A diverse group of muskmelons (Cucumis melo) were grown under standard cultural practices in California and Arizona. Fruit from 19 varieties were harvested in peak early summer season (May-June) and early fall (August-September) at ¾-slip, field hydro-cooled, shipped overnight and fresh-cut within 2 days of receipt. Repeated melon types from Harris Moran Seed Co., Seminis Inc. and Syngenta Seeds Inc. included: Eastern shippers, Western shippers, Galia, Juan Canary, Charentais, and honeydews. Some varieties are proprietary and therefore, not classified by recognized names. The following varieties were assessed: Athena; Esteem, Goldrush, Hymark, Magellan, Pacstart, Primo, Sol Real, WS-1, WS-2, WS-3, WS-4, WS-5 (where WS = Western shipper); Galileo; Juan Canary-1; Proteo, Charentais-2; Morning Ice and Honey King. Fresh-cut cubes were stored at 4°C for up to 14 days and °Brix, pH, color, volatiles and subjective appraisals were monitored. From the data set, selected varieties will be compared and discussed regarding whether they performed well (good shelf-life along with presence of desirable volatiles), or performed poorly (rapid deterioration and/or lack of desirable volatiles) as a cut product.