Days after anthesis and postharvest behavior define maturity, harvesting time and nutraceutical content of camu-camu fruit

Days after anthesis (DAA) and postharvest behavior were used as a novel integrative holistic approach to define the physiological and horticultural maturity of fruit and implement appropriate harvesting times for quality and nutraceutical content. Camu-camu fruit used as a model system was sampled between 74 and 116 DAA, studied on their chemical, enzymatic and sensory characteristics when still attached to the plant and during the postharvest life. At 74-81 DAA fruit were physiologically immature, while 88-116 DAA fruit were physiologically mature, with 116 DAA fruit showing overripe behavior. From a horticultural maturity view scenario there is a dual harvesting time for camu-camu fruit where 88 DAA fruit shows a maximum peak for bioactive compound accumulation (phenolics, ascorbic acid, AOX) appropriate for the nutraceutical market, while 88-102 DAA fruit reach higher sensory acceptance appropriate for the juice industry and fresh market. The horticultural maturity of camu-camu fruit overlaps with its physiological maturity. This holistic approach can be extended to a diverse range of fruit crops.

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