Changes in the physico-chemical and biochemical compositions of custard apple (<i>Annona squamosa</i>L.) fruits during growth, development and ripening

Abstract

SummaryFruits of annona (Annona squamosa L.) cvs. Barbadose Seedling and Washington-97 were analyzed at 15 d intervals after flowering to harvest maturity and at ripe stage. Fruits took 120 ± 5 d to reach harvest maturity and then another of 2–5 d to the ripe stage. Fruits exhibited a double sigmoid growth curve and a climacteric respiration. Physical characters recorded were fruit weight, size, density, T.S.S., percentage of edible pulp, peel, seed and central stalk and biochemical constituents like dry matter, alcohol, insoluble solids, total and individual sugars, total acids, citric acid, total soluble amino acids, total tannins, vitamins A and C, chlorophylls and minerals (P, K, Fe, Na, Ca, Mg). Sugar/acid ratio and the appearance of a yellow colour in the edible pulp may be considered as acceptable harvest criteria.