Title: Effects of postharvest handling and storage on physiological attributes and quality of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.): a review

Authors: Ebrahiema Arendse; Olaniyi Amos Fawole; Umezuruike Linus Opara

Addresses: Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa ' Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa ' Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa

Abstract: During postharvest handling and storage of pomegranate fruit a number of physiological, biochemical and textural processes occur, which result in changes in colour, taste, texture, and ultimately decline in nutritional quality. Optimum storage conditions are required to maintain overall fruit quality thereby reducing postharvest losses and improvement of marketability of pomegranate fruit. For successful postharvest handling and storage of pomegranate fruit there is a need for the application of the knowledge acquired over the years towards the development of optimum postharvest handling and storage conditions for specific cultivars. This review discusses current knowledge on the effects of storage temperature and duration on quality and physiological attributes of pomegranates.

Keywords: fruit quality; nutritional quality; postharvest handling; postharvest physiology; storage conditions; pomegranate; fruit flavour; Punica granatum L; fruit colour; fruit taste; fruit texture; fruit storage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2015.072441

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2015 Vol.5 No.1, pp.13 - 31

Received: 20 Oct 2014
Accepted: 10 Apr 2015

Published online: 13 Oct 2015 *

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