Calidad postcosecha de frutos de lulo [solanum quitoense (lamarck)]

The lulo is native to South America, with a growth potential in Mexico. The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality of lulo (green, turning and orange), produced in Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico and to apply some treatments to prolong its shelf life (Control and 1-MCP: 300 ppb; room temperature (20 °C and 60% RH) and cold storage (8.0 °C and 90% RH). The results showed that 1-MCP reduced the fruit weight loss, but in the green fruits provoked no change of color, maintained their acidity and low °Bx values. The fruits kept at room temperature had a higher content of vitamin C and phenols, antioxidant capacity and a shelf life of 7 days after harvest, the same as the fruits after 2 weeks of cold storage. It is recommended to harvest the lulo fruits in a turning color since it develops better organoleptic characteristics