Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2.4.5 Other fruit families
Some of the other common dicot fruits include cherimoya (
Annona cherimola
,
Annona
squamosa
, Annonaceae), durian (
Duriozibethinus
, Bombaceae), jackfruit (
Artocarpushet-
erophyllus
, Moraceae), rambutan (
Nephelium lappaceum
, Sapindaceae), litchi (
Litchi chi-
nensis
, Sapindaceae), longan (
Dimocarpus longan,
Sapindaceae), persimmon (
Diospyros
virginiana
,
D. kaki
, Ebenaceae), papaya (
Carica papaya
, Caricaceae), kiwi fruit (
Actinidia
chinensis
, Actinidiaceae), pomegranate (
Punica granatum
, Punicaceae), guava (
Psidium
guayava
, Myrtaceae), mangosteen (
Garcinia mangostana
, Guttiferae), mango (
Mangifera
indica
, Anacardiaceae), sapodilla (sapota) (
Manilkara sapota
, Sapotaceae), and currants
(
Ribes rubrum
,
Ribes sativum
,
Ribes vulgare
, etc.; red currant;
Ribes nigrum
—black cur-
rant; Saxifragaceae). These fruits have characteristic qualities.
Annona fruits are highly flavorful and are highly perishable. Ripe fruits become damaged
within days and produce off-flavors. The fruits are sometimes picked before ripening for
transportation. Durian fruits are large (
10-15 lb), thorny, resembling jackfruits and are
cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and are well known for the foul smell of the fruits,
composed by a variety of compounds including organosulfur compounds. Jackfruits are
popular in South India and Sri Lanka. They are thorny on the outside and when ripened
are highly flavorful. The fruits on some trees can weigh over 100 lb. The fruits contain
latex, which can be removed by edible oils such as coconut oil. The fruit is an aggregate
fruit with several fruitlets containing seeds that are rich in protein and can be consumed
after cooking. Ripe fruits do not store well for more than 3-4 days uncut. Rambutan,
again from Southeast Asia, is a 2-3 inches long hairy fruit and is highly perishable. The
pulpy interior is edible. Litchi, originally cultivated in southern China, is a popular fruit.
Removing the leathery skin in ripe fruits exposes a fleshy interior that is edible. Litchis
have a reasonably long shelf life, but are best when consumed fresh. Papaya, originally
native to South America, is cultivated worldwide. The flesh of ripe fruits is initially hard,
but becomes soft as ripening progresses. The skin and flesh contain a latex that contains
proteases, and young fruits are sometimes used as meat tenderizers. Flesh from mature fruits
can also be cooked and consumed. Papayas also contain heterocyclic compounds similar
to piperazine and are sometimes consumed to protect from intestinal worms. Ripe fruits
of papaya have a very short shelf life. At present, kiwi fruit is widely cultivated around
the world. The fruit is a berry, 3-4 inches long, and is covered by a brownish skin. The
green flesh along with the seeds in ripened fruits can be eaten and tastes slightly acidic
and tart. Unripe fruits can be stored for 2-3 weeks. The kiwi fruits also contain proteases
and can be used as a meat tenderizer. Pomegranate, with a history of over 4,000 years, is
cultivated widely and is well known for its medicinal properties. The fruits are covered
with a leathery skin containing multiple chambers filled with juicy pulpy red crimson-
colored seeds that are sweet with slight sour tart taste. The skin contains proanthocyanidins
and polyphenols having very strong antioxidant activity. Alhough not consumed, the skin
is commonly used in traditional medicine in India. Pomegranates have good postharvest
shelf life (2-3 weeks at RT) and are easy to handle. Guava is becoming more popular with
several new varieties. The ripe fruits have a pleasant flavor and sweet taste. The seeds are
hard, and new seedless varieties are being cultivated. The ripe fruits have a very short shelf
life. Some varieties have a red-colored interior like a melon and are rich in carotenoids.
Mango has become an increasingly accepted fruit in the Western world. Several varieties
∼
Search WWH ::
Custom Search