Effect of Postharvest UV-B Radiation and Visible Light on Health and Sensory Related Parameters in Plums (Prunus domestica L.)

Plums (Prunus domestica L.) of the cultivars 'Avalon' (ripe) and 'Victoria' (ripe and slightly ripe) were treated with visible light or visible light and UV-B radiation. The effects of the treatments on important sensory attributes and content of anthocyanins were investigated. Light and radiation treated plums lost more weight than control plums kept in the dark. The soluble solids content and titratable acidity were higher in the inner part of the fruit flesh compared to the outer part. In 'Victoria' plums, the combination of visible light and UV-B treatment increased the content of soluble solids in the outer part of the fruit flesh on the exposed side. The same treatment gave the highest level of redness (a*-value) in the skin of the plums. Slightly ripe plums had less anthocyanins than the ripe ones, but after visible light and UV-B treatment this difference was balanced out.