DETERMINATION OF OPTIMUM HARVEST MATURITY OF COLD STORED AFRICAN DELIGHT PLUMS

This research focused on the fine-tuning the determination of optimum harvest maturity of African Delight plums intended for export by sea. The specific requirement was to reduce the risk of the progressive cold storage disorder, referred to as skin scald or skin browning. It was established that in addition to the standard 9 kg flesh firmness and 15% total soluble solids that signify the start of the picking window; the optimum maturity can be more accurately assessed if skin scald development during cold storage is considered a risk.