PhysicoChemical Parameters for Obtaining Prediction Models in the Postharvest Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)

This study aimed to determine physicochemical parameters for obtaining prediction equation in order to evaluate the postharvest quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A imaging system was used to measure L*a*b* color space. In tomatoes (variety Caiman) were evaluated weight loss, oBrix, pH, titrable acidity, firmness and oHue over 17 days of storage. The experimental results demonstrate that imaging system is feasible and most significant changes were observed in a correlation between firmness and oHue= 27.04e with R=0.99. The lycopene content showed values from 0.15 to 8.21 mg/100g in a state of maturity USDA No 2 (breaker) y USDA No6 (deep red), respectively. Logarithmic models between color and lycopene content were much better fitted for °Hue and a*/b* vs. Lycopene with R=0.96.