The objective of this work was to evaluate the storage period postharvest and acceptability by consumer of hybrid melon 'F1 Jangada' (Cucumis melo L.), produced in hydroponic system, stored in atmosphere conditions (22 ± 2 ºC and 40 ± 5% relative humidity). The research was carried from June 21st to August 2nd, 2005. It was applied a 5 x 2 factorial scheme in a completely randomized design, with five storage periods (0; 7; 21; 28 and 42 days) and two substrata types (sand and coconut fiber) with three replications, where each repetition consisted of five melon fruits. The pH, titrable acidity, soluble solids, mass loss, sensorial analysis and purchase decision of the melons were analyzed. Effects of the substratum type and time of storage on the values of pH of the melons were verified. The titrable acidity of melon 'F1 Jangada' decreased significantly in the first seven days of storage in both substrata types. There were no effects of the substrata types and time of storage in the soluble solids of the melons during the storage. There was no difference of mass loss of the fruits produced in the two substrata, being of 7.1 ± 0.2%, during the 42 days of storage. The substratum type did not interfere in the general appearance, color, texture and flavor of the melons. On the 42nd day of storage the melons produced in the two substrata types, were acceptable by the consumer. However, the croped melons in the substratum with sand presented better acceptability and purchase decision along the storage.
Cucumis melo L.; sensorial analysis; postharvest shelflife
