Quality of papaya cultivars fruits commercialized insupermarkets from Campina Grande, state of Paraíba

Abstract

Papaya is widely consumed in Brazil, being marketed in different ways, leading to the modification of fruit quality. In order to obtain information about the quality of locally available fruits,it is necessary to assess the quality attributes considered by the consumers. The aim of this study was to characterize, quantify and evaluate the post-harvest quality of papaya of the cultivars Hawaii and Formosa, marketed in different supermarkets in Campina Grande, Paraíba. Data were collected through the application of questionnaires to customers and supermarket managers, as well theperiodic collection and evaluation offruitsamples.The quality evaluation was carried out in three large and three medium-sizedsupermarkets, according to the retail conditions.Triplicates of 8 fruits per supermarket/collection were evaluated for physicochemical and sensorial attributes. It was also evaluated the incidence of anthracnose, stalk rot and black spot during5 days. ‘Hawaii’ papaya is preferred based on size. The logistics of buying and selling, inadequate transport, and handling of fruits by customers are the major causes of losses. ‘Hawaii’ papaya presented a higher incidence of anthracnose and stalk rot and the ‘Formosa’ of black spot in large supermarkets.