Postharvest quality, soluble phenols, betalains content, and antioxidant activity of Stenocereus pruinosus and Stenocereus stellatus fruit

• Respiration rate in fruit of Stenocereus genus suggested non-climacteric behavior.
• Shelf life of Stenocereus pruinosus and Stenocereus stellatus fruit was estimated in six days.
• Firmness loss rate, acidity, and pH distinguished Stenocereus species fruit.
• Color in red, orange, and white variants was closely related to betalains content.
• Phenols and betalains content caused highest antioxidant activity in red fruit.

Fruit of the Stenocereus genus have good acceptance and high potential in the fresh fruit market. However, their use is limited to regional production areas due to they are highly perishable and the postharvest behavior has not been studied. The objective of the work was to characterize morphological, physiological, physical, and chemically, red and orange fruit of Stenocereus pruinosus, and red and white fruit of Stenocereus stellatus in postharvest. Storage during 10 d at 24 °C was carried out and shelf life was estimated in six days. Respiration rate suggested non-climacteric behavior. Color, acidity, pH, soluble phenols content, and betalains content distinguished fruit. These variables, besides total soluble solids, remained without significant changes throughout the storage period, but weight loss, firmness, and total sugar content experimented modification. Antioxidant activity was highest in red fruit.