Production and Postharvest Assessment of Tropical Pumpkin Flowers Harvested for Consumption

Consumption of staminate (male) flowers squash and pumpkin ( Cucurbita sp.) has generally been limited to summer pepo ), a species temperate regions or highland tropical environments. In the lowland tropics Caribbean Basin, moschata ) is better adapted more widely grown. We evaluated flower production in Lajas, Puerto Rico, postharvest attributes (shelf life, chemical nutritional properties, sensory quality) four two cultivars. Tested cultivars varied slightly among experiments. Passive active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were compared. For passive MAP, packages sealed without further intervention. Under adjusted 6% 7% oxygen (O 2 12% 13% carbon dioxide (CO during sealing. Sensory quality fresh canned was by panelists. Production ranged from 1.8 4.0 flowers/plant per day. Flower weight length up 50% greater compared with squash. Packaged turned orange but less color saturation as they aged. MAP packages, decreases O , increases CO observed after 5 days small not significant initially established atmospheres at day 0. Storage temperature had no effect on changes . lost about 27% their initial days. Type consistent appearance packaged flowers. Storing °C often improved storage 10 °C. The rate deterioration slower squash, 6 poor all made them unmarketable. Compared flowers, stored for exhibited decrease soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, phenolics, an increase pH. Beta-carotene increased although this cultivar. type inconsistent effects Panelists rated “like moderately” very much” texture, taste, overall acceptability, whereas acceptability. Male are suitable human consumption limits market potential unless methods developed. Canned may be alternative