Peaches Need Mineral Supplements Too

Newswise — Spanish researchers found that applying these natural compounds to peach and nectarine trees pre-harvest gives dramatic improvements in quality; but "the safety is assured totally, and no residues are expected which could be harmful for consumers or environment" , says Dr. Daniel Valero at the University Miguel Hernández, Spain, who conducted the research.

After 7-28 days in cold storage and subsequent ripening for 4 days at 20°C, the mineral-treated fruit showed lower levels of weight loss and colour degradation, and higher pulp firmness compared to untreated fruits. Ripening after storage evolved faster in control fruit (that had just been sprayed with distilled water) than in mineral-treated fruits, and storability was extended up to 21 days for peaches and 28 days for nectarines: 14 days more than for control fruits.

Effect of preharvest sprays containing calcium, magnesium and titanium on the quality of peaches and nectarines at harvest and during postharvest storage.

Maria Serrano, Domingo Martinez-Romero, Salvador Castillo, Fabian Guillen andDaniel Valero

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: Volume 84 (online)

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