The postharvest quality of fresh oranges (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, 'Baianinha') was evaluated in terms of chemical and physical properties, in May of 1998. An experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with two replications, submitting the fruits to two treatments: storage at ambient conditions (21 ± 0.4°C and RH = 60 ± 1.0%, and in cold room (1 ± 0,5°C and RH = 85 ± 2,5%). After 15 days of storage, a highly significant difference was observed (P=0,01) in the levels of ascorbic acid (decrease of 20% and 8%, at ambient condition and refrigerated fruits, respectively). Titratable acidity decrease approximately 14%, for fruits at ambient condition, and 8% for the refrigerated fruits. It was observed an increase of 30% (ambient condition) and 18% (refrigerated fruits), in the brix/titratable acidity ratio. The results demonstrated that there is a tendency of quality loss for fruits maintained at ambient condition. Therefore, the use of refrigeration is necessary for the maintenance of post harvest quality of fresh orange.
Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck; ascorbic acid; titratable acidity; pH; soluble solids
