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Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for the development of calibration models has been investigated as a means of assessing the quality of whole pomegranate fruit. FT-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrometers with different spectral acquisition modes were evaluated using direct contact between the sample and the integrating sphere (IS), or by a contact-less measurement using an optic fibre coupled emission head (EH) to scan fruit over a distance of 170 mm. Fruit weight, firmness and colour components (a*, Chroma, hue angle), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), sugar to acid ratio (TSS:TA), BrimA, total phenolics, total anthocyanin and vitamin C. The best prediction statistics obtained from calibration models of the EH were firmness (R 2  = 83.0, residual predictive deviation (RPD) = 2.43), fruit colour components (a*: R 2  = 90.9, RPD = 3.34); Chroma: R 2  = 83.0, RPD = 2.43, TSS (R 2  = 78.1, RPD = 2.17), TA (R 2  = 76.8, RPD = 2.12), BrimA (R 2  = 76.2, RPD = 2.08), total phenolics (R 2  = 88.0, RPD = 2.91) and vitamin C (R 2  = 76.2, RPD = 2.06). The best prediction obtained from calibration models of IS were colour component Hue (R 2  = 83.9, RPD = 2.50), TSS:TA (R 2  = 86.8, RPD = 2.72) and total anthocyanin (R 2  = 62.6, RPD = 1.64). Overall, good prediction was observed for both the EH and IS; however, better prediction performance was obtained with the EH which gave the best prediction for 9 of the 13 quality parameters evaluated. These findings have demonstrated that the EH (a contactless option of the Matrix-F) can be implemented as an online tool for the analysis of pomegranate fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruise damage of fresh fruits is a major problem in the horticultural industry, potentially occurring during preharvest, harvest and at all stages of postharvest handling chain. This damage can cause considerable postharvest and economic losses, reduce produce quality and result in serious food safety concerns. Understanding the factors influencing susceptibility or resistance of produce to bruising is important in developing strategies for reducing the problem. This review discusses main preharvest factors that could be manipulated by producers prior to harvest in attempts to reduce bruise damage of fresh fruits during postharvest handling. These factors include: (1) genetic (species/genotype); (2) climatic and environmental; (3) seasonal variation; (4) orchard management practices; and (5) effect of fruit properties. A critical discussion of these factors and their relative influence on bruise susceptibility of fresh fruits is presented. Among other factors, orchard management practices such as irrigation and fertilization could be an important strategy to manipulate fruit mechanical strength to enhance resistance to bruising. Future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits with thick rind have been reported to interfere with the measurement of internal quality of non-destructive near infrared spectroscopy. This review provides an overview of issues related to the use of near infrared spectroscopy for measuring internal and external quality attributes of horticultural produce with thick rinds. The use of other non-destructive techniques for assessing internal and external quality thick rind fruit, such as hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems, X-ray micro-computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy are also discussed. A concise summary of research and potential commercial application for each of the techniques is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of repeated dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) application to control superficial scald of ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Fruit were stored for up to 16 w in DCA with a 14 d of interruption with regular air (RA) at −0.5 °C, 95% RH. Fruit was again stored in DCA. The scald potential for each storage time in each season was assessed by storing fruit in RA and used as the control, in order to ascertain the efficacy of repeated DCA treatments. Superficial scald incidence, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ground colour, fruit firmness and ethylene production were measured. Alpha-farnesene and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (MHO) production were also measured using gas chromatography (GC–MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to visualize metabolic changes and the relationship among them. Results showed maximum superficial scald incidence of 2% and 99% in repeated DCA and RA, respectively. Fruit stored in DCA repeatedly was characterized by a higher fruit firmness, ground colour and titratable acidity. Ethylene, α-farnesene and MHO production were significantly lower in repeated DCA compared to only RA stored fruit. Seasonal changes had no significant effect on metabolic parameters studied. The data distribution in the PCA displayed two clusters that could easily be identified. These clusters allowed distinction between fruit stored in RA only and repeated DCA. Ethylene, α-farnesene and MHO production had a strong and positive correlation with scald incidence. This study demonstrated that repeated DCA treatments can effectively control superficial scald. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of dynamic controlled atmospheres (DCA) to control superficial scald in pre-optimally and optimally harvested ‘Granny Smith’ apples over two growing seasons. The critical minimum period for DCA to control superficial scald was also investigated. Fruit were stored in DCA at 0 °C for 5 d up to 20 w followed by 6 or 10 w simulated handling temperature (−0.5 °C) for long distant supply chains plus 7 d at 20 °C. The scald potential for each storage duration in each season was assessed by storing fruit in air as the control treatment. To determine critical minimum storage period, simulated shipping of fruit in air for extended period of 10 w was used. Superficial scald incidence and fruit quality parameters such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), fruit firmness and ground colour were measured. The evolution of metabolites (α-farnesene, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (MHO) and ethylene) associated with scald development were also monitored. The results showed that DCA controlled superficial scald in pre-optimally and optimally harvested fruit in both growing seasons. Results on the minimum exposure period were highly inconsistent over the two season, however, it was found that exposing DCA treated fruit to 10 w shipment period increases the risk of superficial scald development. All DCA treated fruit, regardless of the exposure period, can withstand only 6 w shipment period. For all the storage regimes, DCA stored fruit appeared to have a higher ground colour and fruit firmness compared to air stored fruit. All DCA stored fruit had lower concentrations of ethylene, α-farnesene and MHO. The Pearson’s correlation showed a strong relationship among scald associated metabolites. Correlation coefficient for α-farnesene and MHO of fruit stored in air and DCA were 0.831 and 0.822, respectively, while those for scald incidence and MHO were 0.863 and 0.365 in air and DCA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dynamic controlled atmospheres (DCA) on antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytochemicals in the apple peel of ‘Granny Smith’ harvested at pre-optimal and optimal maturity over two growing seasons. Fruit was stored in DCA (<0.5% O 2 ; 1% CO 2 ) for up to 20 w at 0 °C and regular air (RA) was used as a control treatment. Phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were spectrophotometrically measured. ROS were measured by confocal laser-scanning microscopy on apple peel treated with fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation were used to investigate major changes and relationship among the studied variables. Fruit stored in DCA were characterized by higher antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid and total phenolics concentration. However, lipid peroxidation and ROS were significantly lower in DCA stored fruit. PCA displayed two clusters that could easily be identified as DCA and RA stored fruit. Positive correlation scores for lipid peroxidation and ROS corresponded with RA stored fruit whilst strong negative stores for antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid and total phenolics corresponded with DCA stored fruit. Pearson’s correlation showed a strong relationship between ascorbic acid, phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Lipid peroxidation and ROS also showed a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation. This study showed that the high fruit quality in DCA correlates with higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolics and ascorbic acid concentrations in this fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used as a non-destructive technique to characterise and quantify the internal structure of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful). A commercial X-ray system with a radiation source of 245 kW and electron current of 300 μA was used to generate two-dimensional (2D) radioscopic images which were reconstructed into three dimensional (3D) images for the quantification and volume estimation of internal structural components of fruit. Segmentation of the internal fruit components (arils, peel, kernel, juice content, air space) and single arils was achieved using StudioMax volume graphics software. The calculated volume of each fruit fraction were 162.5 ± 16.2, 163.9 ± 21.4, 16.4 ± 1.8, 10.9 ± 2.6 mL for arils, peel, kernel and air space, respectively which accounted for 48.1, 48.3, 4.9 and 4.1% of total fruit volume. Furthermore, the calculated volume of juice content was 146.1 ± 16.3 mL per fruit which was equivalent to an average of 89.8% of total aril weight, while a single aril (0.3 ± 0.04 mL) accounted for only 0.09% of whole fruit volume. Destructive validation measurements of each fruit fraction showed similar results to non-destructive data, with volumes of 163.3 ± 15.2, 161.8 ± 20.6, 15.1 ± 1.6, and 12.3 ± 4.4 mL for arils, peel, kernel, air space, respectively, while volumes of juice and single aril were 142.7 ± 16.4 and 0.3 ± 0.09 mL per fruit, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that fruit physical attributes such as length, diameter and peel thickness were underestimated by an average of 0.14%, 1.13% and 5.27%, respectively, while fruit radius was overestimated by 1.75%. Nevertheless, no significant differences were observed for length, diameter, radius and peel thickness between X-ray CT predicted values and actual measurements. This work has demonstrated the capability of X-ray CT as a non-destructive technique to suitably estimate the fruit volume and its fractions which could be employed for fruit quality systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fruit total phenolic concentration increased during storage up till 3 month. [•] Ascorbic acid concentration was affected at by storage duration. [•] This study highlights the effects of storage regimes and duration on health promoting compounds in pomegranate fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Coordinated physiological and biochemical changes occur during pomegranate fruit development. [•] Studies show the effects of cultivar difference, growing region and maturity status on fruit maturity indices. [•] Research studies on the development of a workable science-based maturity index for pomegranate cultivars are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Physiological responses and quality of fruit were affected by storage condition. [•] Weight loss was particularly high in fruit stored at room temperature for 4 weeks. [•] The severity of physiological disorders was lower in fruit stored at low temperature. [•] The cultivars investigated may be stored at 5°C and >92% RH for 8–12 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) has gained commercial importance in recent years in the food and health industries due to increasing scientific evidence linking its consumption to better health outcomes. In the present study, the evolution of some chemical contents, individual organic acids and sugars, phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of pomegranate (cv. ‘Bhagwa’) during maturation was investigated. The results showed significant (P <0.05) increases in sugar content, ascorbic acid and total anthocyanins during fruit maturation, while significant decreases occurred in titratable acidity (TA), organic acids and total phenolic contents (TPCs). The significant increase in TSS/TA ratio, which plays a significant role in juice flavor, peaked at 140 DAFB, while the highest accumulation of anthocyanin content occurred at the full-ripe stage (165 DAFB). Total antioxidant capacity (both DPPH and FRAP) declined during fruit maturation, suggesting a decrease in antioxidant power of fruit juice. Strong correlations between TPC and antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH (r 2 =0.99) and FRAP (r 2 =0.96) methods were observed. Fructose and glucose were established to be the major sugars in the fruit cultivar while tartaric acid was the predominant organic acid. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that harvest maturity of ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate fruit is dependent on time from full bloom hence could be fixed around 165 DAFB, where fruits were characterized by intense fruit and aril pigmentation as well as high juice quality parameters. This information provided could help pomegranate juice producers to assess and optimize juice quality and antioxidant value of ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate cultivar through maturity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Bruised pomegranate fruit lost 40 % weight during a 12-week cold storage. • Medium and high impact bruising induced perceptible colour changes more than low impact. • Changes in total phenolic content and the radical scavenging activity were induced by bruise damage. • Bruise damage at least 40 cm drop impact could influence changes in overall fruit quality. This study examined the effects of impact bruise damage on the postharvest physiological, response, physicochemical quality and antioxidant properties of pomegranate fruit. Fruit were subjected to low (20 cm), medium (40 cm) and high (60 cm) drop impacts by falling freely once onto the cheek position to a hard surface. Bruised and control (non-dropped) fruit were further stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C for 90 d plus 4-day shelf storage at 20 ± 2 °C. Fresh arils were obtained from the bruise-damaged and control fruit at 14 d intervals for physico-chemical and phytochemical quality evaluation. Impact bruising induced resulted in a 2-fold fruit respiration rate at least during the first 4 weeks of storage. Changes in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) were significantly (p < 0.05) induced by bruising at medium and high drop impact. Furthermore, high impact bruising resulted in 30 % of both decay incidence and internal fruit decay of fruit after 12-week storage. Furthermore, the combination of drop impact and storage significantly (p < 0.05) affected peel hue angle (hº), as well as aril lightness (L*), redness (a*), chroma (C*) and hº. The radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content were higher in bruised-damage fruit at medium and high impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precooling is a critical step in the postharvest cold chain. Studies of the precooling of fruit and vegetables are based on the strong interactions between modelling, engineering, physiology and commercial outcomes. In recent years, new progress in precooling has been achieved. These achievements include different cooling strategies, research into precooling mechanisms, and numerical simulations. This review aims to provide the most recent information about precooling and promote its application in the fruit and vegetable industry. Different precooling strategies are evaluated with respect to the cooling rate, cooling uniformity, and multiscale simulation. An overview of mathematical modeling approaches used to quantitatively describe precooling processes for computer-aided designs is provided. The effect of precooling on fruit quality at the physiological and molecular levels is outlined. Numerical simulations have become widely used to improve the precooling performance. Cooling homogeneity, in particular, has attracted increasing attention in recent studies because of the substantial effects of cooling homogeneity on the precooling efficiency and produce quality. The spatial scale of numerical simulations of the precooling process has started to become more precise and specific. Recent numerical simulations have focused on the bin and package scale. Models of transport processes at multiple spatial scales are investigated using multiscale modeling. Moreover, the effect of precooling on produce quality has recently received increasing attention. In addition, the investigation of the effect of precooling on fruit at the metabolomic and genomic levels has become an emerging trend and has provided deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of precooling treatments on fruit. • The latest advances in fruit precooling study are highlighted, especially since 2001. • Numerical simulation is widely used, especially to improve cooling homogeneity. • Spatial scale study of precooling is more specific, mainly for bin and package scale. • Effect on fruits at the metabolomics and genomic levels starts to be investigated. • Different precooling strategies were further investigated to obtain good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical properties of citrus fruit play critical roles in its maturity and quality determination. Hence, this study investigated the effect of canopy position on physicochemical properties of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit across different production regions at harvest and after storage at 7.5 °C for 3, 6, and 9 weeks. The study also evaluated the use of BrimA as an adoptable internal quality and maturity parameter for ‘Marsh’ grapefruit. Fruit from inside canopy (IC) and outside canopy (OC) were harvested from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Mpumalanga (MP) provinces in South Africa. Titratable acidity was determined by titration and calculation of the sugar/acid ratio (TSS/TA) was established while BrimA was derived from sugar and acid with tongue sensitivity index. Colour indices were measured using calibrated colorimeter while sugars were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At harvest, IC fruit from MP province were more luminous than the OC fruit while inverse results were recorded for fruit from KZN. At harvest, IC fruit had higher percentage of titratable acidity (TA) (2.73%) than OC fruit (2.40%) from MP, with opposite results from KZN. The BrimA showed a strong and positive correlation with TSS/TA (r = 0.9364). Overall, our result suggested that canopy position affect some physicochemical properties of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit. However, harvested fruit displayed a high level of maturity and quality over the period of cold storage. BrimA could potentially be used as an index of internal quality of grapefruit but further studies into the subject is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rind biochemical concentrations and radical-scavenging activities of ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin could play a significant role in the susceptibility of the fruit to various forms of physiological rind disorders. This study examined the effect of fruit position within tree canopy on biochemical concentrations and radical-scavenging activities of ‘Nules Clementine’ mandarin fruit rind after harvest at week 0 and after 3, 6 and 9 weeks of postharvest cold storage at 7.5 ± 0.5 °C. Biochemical concentrations and radical-scavenging activities of flavedo and albedo tissues of the rind were also examined. Fruit from inside canopy (IC) and outside canopy (OC) were harvested at commercial maturity in May 2015 and 2016 from Unifruiti and Swartvelei Farms located at Eastern Cape (EC) (33° 27′ 32″ S, 25° 34′ 79″ E) and Western Cape (WC) (19° 02′ 33.8″ S, 33° 41′ 17.24″ E) provinces of South Africa, respectively. Results showed that canopy position played a significant ( p < 0.001) role on total carotenoids, total phenolics and total flavonoids as well as rind dry matter, with OC fruit often characterised by higher biochemical concentrations than IC fruit during cold storage. The study further showed that production region influenced radical-scavenging activities and carbohydrate content of OC and IC fruit rind during cold storage. Radical-scavenging activities of OC fruit (61.2%) were higher than IC fruit (52.5%) from EC whereas radical-scavenging activities of IC fruit (67.1%) were higher than those of OC fruit (58.2%) from WC at harvest. Overall, this study revealed that fruit position within tree canopy influenced its rind biochemical concentrations and radical-scavenging activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phytohormonal changes in relation to citrus rind disorder was examined postharvest. • Fruit were harvested from inside and outside canopy position of the tree. • Endogenous levels of cytokinins (CK), auxins, isomers and conjugates were analysed. • Cis -zeatin-type CK concentrations were higher in outside canopy fruit postharvest. The role of phytohormones in mitigating or enhancing the incidence of non-chilling rind physiological disorder of citrus fruit is largely unknown. Therefore, this study attempted to elucidate cytokinins (CK) and auxin changes in 'Nules Clementine' mandarin fruit rind from different canopy positions during postharvest non-chilling cold storage regarding rind breakdown disorder (RBD). Fruit from the inside canopy (IC) and outside canopy (OC) positions of citrus trees were harvested at commercial maturity from Eastern Cape (EC) and Western Cape (WC) provinces of South Africa, respectively. Endogenous levels of CK, auxins, their isomers, and conjugates were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS/MS) equipped with an electrospray interface. Cis -zeatin-type cytokinins were significantly higher in the OC fruit than in the IC fruit from both provinces during cold storage. Whereas dihydrozeatin concentration (the most abundant CK) was significantly higher in fruit from IC (326.10 and 29.38 nmol kg−1) than in OC (65.75 and 17.72 nmol kg−1) fruit before cold storage, respectively. Fruit without rind disorder had lower CK - conjugates than fruit with the disorder. The IAA concentration was higher in the IC fruit (344.15 nmol kg−1) than in the OC fruit (194.20 nmol kg−1) from EC at week 0 while the IAA concentration of OC fruit from WC was below the limit of detection and IC fruit had 53.20 nmol kg−1 at week 0. Fruit without the disorder had more IAA concentration than fruit with RBD while indole-3-acetylaspartic acid (IAAsp) was higher in fruit with RBD than fruit without the disorder, indicating the preventive role of IAA in the incidence of the disorder. This study is the first to record the negative effect of IAAsp in RBD and revealed the crucial role and synergistic role of CK, IAA and their isomers in RBD of 'Nules Clementine' fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been recent interest in pomegranate fruit production and research due to its high nutritional and health benefits. The increase in demand of the fruit necessitates the need to improve quality, storability and shelf life to meet consumers’ expectations of consistent supply of quality fruit. However, pomegranate fruit is susceptible to various postharvest quality problems including high weight loss, decay and susceptibility to physiological disorders such as chilling injury and husk scald. To improve fruit storability and shelf life, physical and chemical postharvest treatments have been applied. However, these treatments have varied effects on the external and internal quality attributes of fruit. This review therefore discusses the different postharvest treatments applied to enhance storage of pomegranate whole fruit and arils and highlights the effects of the treatments on the fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recent developments on application of edible coatings of stone fruit are discussed. • Addition of lipids to polysaccharide-based coatings increased coating moisture barrier properties. • Stone fruit responded well to the application of edible coatings. • Although there are various edible coatings, research has largely focused on lab-scale trials. • Future research direction should focus on technological readiness level of edible coatings application. Stone fruit, including peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries, are popular worldwide as a result of their high nutritional value and desirable taste. However, stone fruit are susceptible to various postharvest quality problems including high weight loss, decay, over ripeness and susceptibility to physiological disorders such as internal breakdown and chilling injury symptoms. In the quest to improve fruit storability and shelf life of stone fruit, a lot of research has focused on the postharvest application of edible coatings. However, these coatings have varied effects on the external and internal quality attributes of fruit and the effects are dependent on types of stone fruit. This review, therefore, discusses the different edible coatings applied to enhance storage of stone fruit, with a focus on coating formulation, properties and mode of action specific to stone fruit. Furthermore, gaps in the literature and future prospects of edible coating application on stone fruit are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest RP is a progressive rind physiological disorder affecting citrus fruit during postharvest storage, reducing external quality of the fruit. The disorder develops 3–5 weeks after harvest, making it difficult to detect during grading and sorting in commercial packing lines. The Vis/NIR spectroscopy and associated chemometric analytical methods were explored for non-destructive prediction of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit ( Citrus x paradisi MacFad) susceptibility to rind pitting. Reflectance Vis/NIR spectral data was acquired from fruit, just after harvest, using a laboratory bench-top monochromator NIR System equipped with a quartz halogen lamp and lead sulfide detector. Reference measurements for calibrating and validating PLS models included visual scores of RP and rind physico-chemical variables related to the disorder. The spectral data was correlated to RP scores and rind physico-chemical properties after eight weeks in cold storage and a week in shelf life. Good prediction of RP was obtained (R 2 p  = 0.78; RPD = 2.03; RMSEP = 1.41). Prediction models for rind physicochemical properties successfully developed and validated included rind total antioxidant capacity (R 2 p  = 0.95), β carotene (R 2 p  = 0.99), total carotenoids (R 2 p  = 0.92), chlorophyll a (R 2 p  = 0.89), chlorophyll b (R 2 p  = 0.93), dry matter (R 2 p  = 0.88), sucrose (R 2 p  = 0.91), glucose (R 2 p  = 0.93) and fructose (R 2 p  = 0.94). Principal component analysis successfully segregated fruit based on canopy position and susceptibility to rind pitting disorder. The ability of Vis/NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis to cluster fruit based on canopy position is recommended as a secondary approach to discriminate fruit with high susceptibility to RP since RP occurrence was high on fruit from outside canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetness and flavour are desirable attributes used for quality control and assurance of citrus fruit, which are largely determined by total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA) and TSS: TA ratio. However, the accuracies of TSS, TA and TSS: TA as flavour indices have been recently criticised. BrimA (Brix minus acids), on the other hand, is an accurate organoleptic parameter that has been shown to be highly related to sweetness and flavour of citrus fruit. In this study, the ability of visible to near infrared spectroscopy (Vis/NIRS), in reflectance mode, to non-destructively quantify BrimA, TSS, TA and TSS: TA ratio of ‘Valencia’ orange and ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit was evaluated. Vis/NIR spectral data was acquired using a laboratory bench-top monochromator NIR Systems. Reference measurements and spectral datasets were subjected to partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. The best prediction models were observed for BrimA of ‘Valencia’ oranges with the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) = 0.958; root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.006 and residual predictive deviation (RPD) = 3.96, followed by TSS: TA ratio (R 2 = 0.958; RMSEP = 0.605; RPD = 4.92). Good models for predicting flavor of grapefruit were also attained, with TSS having the best model (R 2 = 0.896, RMSEP = 0.308 and RPD = 2.94), followed by BrimA (R 2 = 0.858; RMSEP = 0.429; RPD = 2.45). These results demonstrated the ability of Vis/NIRS to non-destructively predict sweetness and flavour attributes of oranges and grapefruit. Vis/NIRS was recommended as a possible fast and accurate technique to be used for fruit discrimination based on flavour parameters during packing and for pricing of fruit in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much attention and endeavor have been paid to developing biocompatible food packaging films. Here, ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were fabricated into films through a facile method, microfluidic spinning. Morphology observations showed that the fibers were neatly arranged with an average diameter of 1–4 μm. FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis suggested the existence of good compatibility and interaction between EC and PVP. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that PVP ameliorates the thermal properties; moreover, the tensile properties were improved, with tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus up to 11.10 ± 1.04 MPa and 350.16 ± 45.46 MPa, respectively. The optimal formula was EC/PVP (2:3), of which the film displayed an enhanced TS of 4.61 ± 1.15 MPa and a modified water contact angle of 61.8 ± 4.4°, showing fine tensile and hydrophilic performance. This study provides a facile and green film fabrication method promising to be used for food wrapping. [Display omitted] • Ethyl cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone were used as the precursors. • Microfluidic spinning was used to produce micro-films with high surface area. • Films of neatly arranged microfibers exhibiting good properties were fabricated. • The films can be potentially used in food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]