Qualitative and physiological properties of 'Pompia', a citron-like fruit

摘要

Pompia is a citron-like tree of unknown origin traditionally cultivated in Sardinia, Italy. The tree is similar to both the lemon and citron with very large oblate, thick-peeled fruit that turns yellow when fully mature. This fruit is used in traditional Sardinian sweets. The juice is very similar to lemon juice and can be used to dress salads. The objective of the trial was to follow physiological, morphological and internal qualitative changes that occur from the end of October to the end of March,the period during which the fruits are harvested. During the five month observation period, little increase in weight occurred, while the colour of the peel turned from deep green to yellow. Respiration activity decreased progressively, while a slight increasing trend was observed in internal CO_2 concentration. Ethylene was produced in very low amounts. From October to March a marked reduction of juice vitamin C content occurred, whereas titratable acidity and total soluble solids decreased moderately.