Pre-harvest studies of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.F.), a Brazilian native fruit, for the characterization of ideal harvest point and ripening stages

• Important native fruit of the Amazon region with functional potential and antioxidant activity.
• The specie is still minimally explored for commercial agricultural activity.
• Harvest point through physical, chemical, physicochemical and functional parameters.
• Bio compounds indicated the highest levels in the mature-green fruits.
• Thus, the harvesting period of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.F.) fruits, which was established here under the tested conditions, must be conducted between 210 days after anthesis when the fruits exhibit the optimal physical and chemical qualities.

The buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) is a native palm tree that abundantly grows in the Brazilian territory, which is characterized by its versatility of uses. However, the lack of information about the ideal harvest point and the description of ripening stages of buriti can be regarded as an obstacle in its better economic use. For that purpose, chemical, functional and morphological characterization of buriti fruit is necessary in order to determine its ripening cycle. Buriti fruits were harvested, during 6 years, in transition savanna/forest, in private farms located at Roraima State, Brazil. Then, fruits were selected and standardized according to their appearance (skin color and plant health) and sanitized. After the selection, fruits were analyzed for various characteristics, including polar and equatorial diameter, fresh mass, pH, total soluble solids, pectin contents, PME and PG enzymatic activity, respiration behavior and functional activity with the evaluation of carotenoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The completely randomized design was used as a statistical model in a factorial arrangement. The fruits harvested at 210 and 240 days after anthesis exhibited high antioxidant activity throughout the evaluation period, characterized by the presence of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. However, based on the evaluated variables under the specific conditions, the ideal harvest was at 210 days after anthesis. The high concentration of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the buriti fruits, and the subsequent high antioxidant activity indicates its good functional potential. Furthermore, based on the ethylene and CO2 levels and the response of fruits to physical and chemical analysis, the buriti can be classified as a climacteric fruit.