Effect of Ambient Storage on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of White Pulp (Hylocereus undatus) and Red Pulp Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Dragon fruit has drawn huge attention due to its higher nutritional and economical value. However, limited information is available on its storage and postharvest handling. In this study, white and red pulp dragon fruit were stored in ambient conditions (25 ± 3 °C and 60 ± 5% RH) for 1 week to study the postharvest quality and shelf life. Physiological loss in weight, acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, total phenols, and flavonoids were measured on day 0, 2, 5 and 7. A significant decrease in biochemical composition and weight was observed during storage. Among pulp colour types, red pulp fruits had significantly higher total soluble solids, total sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, antioxidant activity (0.33 times more), and total phenols (2 times more) whereas titratable acidity was approx. 2 times higher in white pulp fruit on day 7. However, physiological loss in weight and postharvest spoilage were higher in red pulp fruits (3 times more than white pulp) on the last day of storage (day 7). The white pulp fruit showed a better fruit quality and shelf life in ambient conditions. The results indicated that red and white pulp fruit had a 5- and 7‑day shelf life, respectively, in ambient conditions as spoilage and weight loss were much higher than the acceptable range in red pulp fruit on day 7.