The study was undertaken to increase the shelf life of fruits of guava (Psidium guajava L.) var. Paluma in the post-harvest period in the São Francisco River Valley (Petrolina, PE, Brazil). Effects of calcium (Ca) concentration, storing condition and fruit wrapping material in the shelf life of fruit of guava were studied. Twelve treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design, in a 2 x 3 x2 factorial arrangement, comprising the following variables: two storing conditions (natural temperature and refrigerated), three Ca concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) and two fruit wrapping materials (transparent poliethylene bag and impervious paper bag). The following guava parameters were evaluated: weight and peel green color losses and total soluble solids. It was observed that when the fruit was harvested just before ripening (fruit reaching complete growth but still with green peel) it maintained its commercial characteristics for up to sixteen days when wrapped in transparent poliethylene bag and stored under refrigeration at 10°C and 90% of relative humidity.
guava; fruit shelf life
