Physical and chemical attributes of feijoa fruit in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

The feijoa is a fruit tree recently grown in the highlands of Veracruz, Mexico. The objectives of this study were to determine some physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of feijoa fruits harvested in Veracruz and to show that some of these attributes are comparable to those of fruits from other producing areas. Commercial-sized fruits were obtained from eight-year-old trees with a single compost application per year. The total soluble solids, pH and acidity of the pulp, in fruits stored at 4, 12 and 25 °C, were similar to those reported in feijoas cultivated in temperate zones. The carbohydrate, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and protein contents in the pulp differ slightly from those reported in the literature. On the other hand, the concentration of vitamin C was higher in the shell than in the pulp. This is the first information on quality parameters of feijoa grown in Mexico. This crop was appropriately adapted to the environment of a high tropical zone.

Keywords

• vitamin C
• pineapple guava
• Acca sellowiana
• postharvest