Changes in antioxidants and fruit quality in hot water-treated ‘Hom Thong’ banana fruit during storage

The effects of hot water treatment on antioxidants and fruit quality were investigated in banana fruit of cv. Gros Michel (Musa acuminata, AAA Group, locally called cv. Hom Thong) by immersing fruits in hot water (50 °C) for 10 min, before storage at 25 °C for 10 days or 14 °C for the first 8 days followed by storage at 25 °C for the second 8 days until ripening. Quality parameters including peel color and pulp firmness indicated that hot water treatment helped to delay banana fruit ripening at both storage conditions. Hot water treatment decreased the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malonydialdehyde (MDA) during storage at 25 °C. Glutathione (GSH and GSSG) contents and the ratio of GSH/GSSG during fruit approaching ripening were significantly induced in hot water-treated fruits while ascorbic acid (AA) contents were slightly increased. In addition, the combined treatment increased free phenolics and flavonoids during storage. Results suggest that hot water treatment has led to an induction of antioxidants in banana fruits as indicated by an increase of antioxidants and a decrease of H2O2 during ripening, and all of which result in a delayed ripening of banana fruit.

► We investigated the effects of hot water treatment on antioxidant phytochemicals and fruit quality in banana fruit.
► Hot water treatment decreased the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malonydialdehyde (MDA) contents during storage at 25 °C.
► Hot water treatment increased glutathione, ascorbic acid, free phenolics and flavonoids contents during storage.
► Quality parameters including peel color and pulp firmness indicated that hot water treatment helped to delay banana fruit ripening.