Changes in Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) During Maturation

Abstract

The physical and chemical changes of cactus pear grown wild in the Bozön-Mersin (Turkey) area during the period of ripening were investigated. The cactus pear fruits were collected weekly for 15 weeks starting at the end of June 2000. The cactus pear collected reached full maturity 98 to 112 days after flowering and showed a sigmoidal growth pattern. The pulp to whole-fruit ratio at full maturity was 0.45 to 0.50 g pulp/g whole fruit and the total-soluble-solids to total-titratability ratio was 75. The increase in the development of fruit color coincided within the period of fast growth.