Distribution of total soluble solids content in some tropical and subtropical fruits. In: Agrotrópica v. 14 p. 25-30, 2002.

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the variation in soluble solids content in cashew tree pseudofruit (cashew apples) and in the fruit of seven other species. A random block design with ten replicates was utilized. Each fruit represented one replicate (block). Fruits were divided into three portions: basal (connected to the pedicel), medial and apical. Cashew apples, oranges and tangerines were cut and squeezed for juice extraction. The other types of fruit were peeled and their pulp was crushed/chopped in a household grade food processor. The resulting material was filtered through nylon fabric in order to extract the juice. The juices thus obtained were submitted to three determinations, in a digital refractometer. Differences in soluble solids contents were observed between fruits from all species. Contents were higher at the basal portion of avocado (Persea gratissima Gaertn.), pineapple (Ananas sativus Schult) and mango tree (Mangifera indica L.) fruits and at the apical portion of cashew tree pseudofruits (Anacardium occidentale L.), and guava (Psidium guajava L.), orange (Citrus aurantium L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.) and tangerine tree (Citrus nobilis Lour.) fruits.