title: Chemical and biochemical changes in prickly pears with different ripening behaviour.
abstract: Chemical and biochemical changes were studied in ripening prickly pears from three Opuntia morphospecies with different ripening behaviour: Naranjona (O. ficus-indica), Blanca Cristalina (Opuntia sp.), and Charola (O. streptacantha), of early, intermediate, and late ripening, respectively. At fullyripe stage (commercial maturity), Blanca Cristalina showed the biggest fruits, the hardest texture, and its pulp had the highest protein content. There were no significant differences among morphospecies in pH or total soluble solids in fully ripe fruits. The three species exhibited considerable levels of vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Protein expression was analysed in pulp and skin from every species at physiological and commercial maturity. Some proteins appeared at both stages, while many others expressed differentially. This study evaluated prickly pear components important for human nutrition and health, and provided basic information on pricky pear ripening, with a view to its control and to improving shelf life.
authors: Laboratorio de Biotecnología Agrícola Aplicada, Instituto Tecnólogico Agropecuario de Aguascalientes, Ojo Caliente IV, Aguascalientes, Ags., México.
authors: Héctor
authors: H
authors: Silos-Espino
authors: Lourdes
authors: L
authors: Fabian-Morales
authors: Juan Alberto
authors: JA
authors: Osuna-Castro
authors: María Elena
authors: ME
authors: Valverde
authors: Fidel
authors: F
authors: Guevara-Lara
authors: Octavio
authors: O
authors: Paredes-López
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D009753:Nutritive Value; D029747:Opuntia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012995:Solubility; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008903:Minerals; D010940:Plant Proteins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid