Alternative methods were investigated for the reduction of astringency (detannization) and conservation of Jambolan fruit (Syzygium cumini, L.). In the first experiment, fruits were harvested at an intermediate ripening stage, maintained at room temperature and subjected to the following treatments: control (normal atmosphere), 98kPa CO2, 20kPa CO2, 98kPa N2, ethylene (100ppm), 1-MCP (1ppm) followed by treatment with ethylene (100ppm) and 3,85mL absolute ethanol L-1. Acetaldehyde, soluble tannin, fruit firmness and astringency were evaluated. In the second experiment, fruits were harvested ripe and stored under passive modified atmosphere at room temperature (PMART, 23±1°C) and passive modified atmosphere under cold storage (PMACS, 4±1°C) for 5, 10 and 15 days. Fruits treated with N2, ethylene and ethanol showed the best detannization results, with increased acetaldehyde content, reduction of soluble tannins and astringency. However ethylene and ethanol treatments induced excessive softening of the fruit. Storage under PMAR kept the purple-blue color of fruits and, besides preventing fungal incidence, it aided the maintenance of the total phenolic content, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of fruits.
soluble tannins; post-harvest; storage
