Ripening associated physico-chemical changes in star gooseberry [Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels], an underutilized fruit of North-East Himalayan region.

Star gooseberry [Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels] is a small berry type fruit, found to grow in North-east Himalayan states of India; yellow in colour, having ethnomedicinal uses by the ethnic tribes living here and used for preparation of syrup, juice, jelly, pickle etc.The physico-biochemical changes of the fruit, from their set to harvest is hitherto unknown, which should be considered as prime factor for considering the stage of harvest for its targeted utilization.Therefore, a research attempt was made to evaluate the ripening associated physico-bichemical changes of star gooseberry fruits, grown at Mizoram.Results of the physical parameters revealed that at 2 days after fruit set (DAFS) fruit length (4.400.55mm), diameter (4.600.89mm), weight (0.090.01 g); seed length (0.800.45 mm) and seed weight (0.010.00g) was low; which got increased and recorded maximum at 24 DAFS [fruit length (15.200.84mm), diameter (20.801.30mm), weight (4.640.22g); seed length (5.200.84mm) and seed weight (0.370.07 g)].However, data of the mentioned parameters clearly indicated an initial period incremental growth, followed by a slow growth as lag phase and subsequently a rapid growth phase, signified double sigmoid growth in star gooseberry fruits.While biochemical parameters like total soluble solids (TSS), TSS:acid ratio, sugars and ascorbic acid content had marked increment and scored highest, whereas titratable acidity and total phenol content was minimum at 24 DAFS.Based on physico-biochemical parameters, it can be concluded that star gooseberry fruits are of optimum maturity for harvesting after 22-24 days from fruit set for further utilization.