COLOR PARAMETERS OF PASSION-FRUIT JUICE ( PASSIFLORA-EDULIS SIMS) - INFLUENCE OF HARVEST SEASON

This study covers the evolution of color parameters (L, a*, b*) of pa ssion fruit juice from 2 different seasons (winter and summer) and its relation with carotenoid content and also the sensory evaluation of j uices. Three different harvests were made during the two seasons, ever y 15-20 days. Soluble solids/acidity ratio was used as a maturity inde x. Winter maturity index was 3.5 and summer index was 6.6. The caroten oids content for winter fruit was higher than that for summer fruit (2 .6 and 1.7 mg beta-carotene/100ml respectively). Color differences bet ween harvest seasons were observed; a value for winter juices was hig her than for summer juices (7.4 and 4.3 respectively). Furthermore, an increment of a value was observed in the winter harvest rising from 5.0 to 10.3. A color difference was also detected through Be sensory e valuation; the judges ranked the third harvest from winter with the hi ghest degree. This sample had the highest carotenoid content (3.2 mg b eta-carotene/100 ml).