Flesh quality and lycopene stability of fresh-cut watermelon

Abstract Red fleshed watermelons are an excellent source of the phytochemical lycopene. However, little is known about the stability of lycopene in cut watermelon. In this study, lycopene stability and other quality factors were evaluated in fresh-cut watermelon. Twenty melons each of a seeded (Summer Flavor 800) and a seedless (Sugar Shack) variety were cut into 5 cm cubes and placed in unvented polystyrene containers, sealed, and stored at 2 °C for 2, 7, or 10 days. At each storage interval, melons were evaluated for juice leakage, changes in carotenoid composition, color, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity. Headspace carbon dioxide and ethylene were monitored during storage intervals. Juice leakage after 10 days of storage averaged 13 and 11% for the seeded and seedless melons, respectively. Lycopene content decreased 6 and 11% after 7 days of storage for Summer Flavor 800 and Sugar Shack melons, respectively. β-Carotene and cis lycopene contents were 2 and 6 mg kg−1 for Summer Flavor 800 and Sugar Shack, respectively, and did not change with storage. After 10 days of storage, CIE L∗ values increased while chroma values decreased, indicating a lightening in color and loss of color saturation in melon pieces. Symptoms of chilling injury, such as greatly increased juice leakage, or lesions on cubes, were not seen on the fresh-cut cut watermelon after 10 days storage at 2 °C. Puree pH increased and SSC decreased slightly after storage. Carbon dioxide levels increased and oxygen levels decreased linearly during storage, creating a modified atmosphere of 10 kPa each of CO2 and O2 after 10 days. Fresh-cut cut watermelon held for 7 or more days at 2 °C had a slight loss of SSC, color saturation, and lycopene, most likely caused by senescence.