Harvest date affects purple eggplant quality and postharvest life

Abstract

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L) quality and storability can be influenced by time of harvest. Effects on sugars, antioxidants, chilling tolerance, and postharvest shelf-life of eggplant due to production cycle activities were determined. Late-season fruit had the highest sugars and antioxidants levels. Early-season fruit had the lowest level of pulp antioxidants. Mid-season fruit had longer postharvest shelf-life and enhanced chilling tolerance as evidenced by a reduction of scalds, browning, and weight loss and softening. No differences in postharvest responses were found between early- and late-season fruit. Activities during the harvest cycle might be used to predict eggplant postharvest responses.