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Peaches Need Mineral Supplements Too

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21.06.2004

Peaches and nectarines sprayed with a calcium, magnesium and titanium-containing formulation increases fruit firmness and lifespan, according to new research published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

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.

Lizzy Ray | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: interscience.wiley.com/jsfa

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