Changes in quality during maturation of physalis fruit

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality of fruits of two species of physalis (P. angulata and P. pubescens) harvested from family farmer orchards in different maturity stages, comparing with fully ripen fruits to those of the commercial species (P. peruviana) of similar maturity. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in five maturity stages for P. angulata and in four for P. pubescens. Data were submitted to variance analysis and means of the maturity stages compared by the Tukey test at 5 % probability. For the comparison of fully ripen fruits of P. peruviana with the two species produced in different locations were used six replications and the means compared by Dunnett's test at 5 % probability. The fruit diameter varied from 15.1 to 18.0 mm that classifies it as of caliber B. During maturation the color of the fruit evolved from green to totally yellow (P. angulata) and to yellow-brown with purplish features (P. pubescens). The soluble solids (SS) contents of the fruits of P. angulata were superior to those of P. pubescens and the commercial species. Comparing with commercial species, the SS/AT ratio was higher in locally produced fruits, indicating more palatable fruits. Fruits of P. angulata present favorable characteristics for fresh consumption, with potential for extensive cultivation and trade in family horticulture.