The influence of leaf maturity at harvest was evaluated to obtain the postharvest quality and deterioration of tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) leaves. Leaves were harvested 5; 8, and 15 days after unfolding and stored in the dark until yellowing. At harvest, the leaves showed similar width and length. Older leaves exhibited lower calcium oxalate content. Soluble sugars and starch were significantly decreased with the leaf age at harvest. Throughout postharvest ageing soluble sugars and chlorophyll contents showed trends of continued degradation in the leaves harvested in the three stages. Deterioration was evident at 96 hours in the leaves harvested 5 and 8 days after unfolding, and 72 hours in the leaves harvested 15 days after unfolding. The rate of fresh matter loss was higher in leaves harvested 5 and 8 days than those harvested 15 days after unfolding.
Xanthosoma sagittifolium; soluble sugars; starch; chlorophyll; oxalate
