The influence of raw material on the quality of dried mango slices (Mangifera indica L.) with special reference to postharvest ripening

This study aimed to utilize NIR technology to assess postharvest ripening stages of mangoes non-destructively and optimize ripeness for producing non-sulfitized dried mango slices. The research was structured into several key sections: evaluating cultivar-specific ripening behavior, deducing a ripening index (RPI), and non-destructive determination of mango ripeness using a developed calibration and prediction model linking NIR spectra to physiological parameters, including RPI. Additionally, the study investigated the effects of established postharvest ripening procedures on fruit quality, defined full fruit maturity, and identified the optimal ripeness for dried mango production. The ripening process of key cultivars was monitored by analyzing weight loss, fruit firmness, pulp acidity, TSS, and sugar-acid ratio through standard methods. A mathematical model was created to relate firmness, TSS, TA, and TSS/TA with ripening time, leading to the derivation of RPI. NIR spectra were measured using FT-NIR spectrometry, establishing a calibration and validation model between NIR spectra and quality parameters, including the newly developed RPI. Experiments were conducted with various mango lots from two harvesting years, aiming to develop a general calibration model, which is currently lacking. The findings are expected to enhance fruit maturity homogeneity, improving the quality standards of exported mangoes and facilitating faste