Journal of Current Research in Food Science
2024, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part C
Harvest quality dynamics and shelf-life prediction of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) under cold storage and ambient conditions in major citrus-growing regions of china
Author(s): Minh Quang Le, Thao Linh Nguyen and Bao Khanh Tran
Abstract: Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is one of the most commercially significant citrus fruits in Asia, with China being a dominant global producer and exporter. Despite its economic importance, maintaining post-harvest quality remains challenging due to the fruit’s susceptibility to physiological deterioration, moisture loss, microbial decay, and biochemical degradation during storage. Cold storage is widely recognized as an effective strategy for extending shelf life by slowing respiration and metabolic activities; however, its efficacy varies with cultivar, harvest maturity, pre-harvest conditions, and regional climatic characteristics. Ambient storage, although still commonly practiced in many citrus-producing areas, often accelerates physiological decline, reduces marketability, and contributes to substantial post-harvest losses. The present research evaluates the post-harvest quality dynamics of mandarin fruits stored under cold and ambient conditions in major citrus-producing regions of China. Key physicochemical and sensory attributes including weight loss, firmness, peel colour, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, and decay incidence were monitored over defined storage intervals. A predictive model for shelf-life estimation was developed using regression analyses based on critical quality parameters. Findings demonstrate the superiority of cold storage in maintaining fruit quality, delaying deterioration, and extending shelf life when compared with ambient storage. The outcomes provide practical insights to strengthen post-harvest management, enhance cold-chain utilization, and improve supply-chain efficiency within China’s citrus industry.
DOI: 10.22271/foodsci.2024.v5.i2c.267
Pages: 199-203 | Views: 101 | Downloads: 37
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How to cite this article:
Minh Quang Le, Thao Linh Nguyen, Bao Khanh Tran. Harvest quality dynamics and shelf-life prediction of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) under cold storage and ambient conditions in major citrus-growing regions of china. J Curr Res Food Sci 2024;5(2):199-203. DOI: 10.22271/foodsci.2024.v5.i2c.267
