Late Season Physico-chemical Changes and Microbial Contamination in Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Fruit

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been grown as a fruit crop since ancient time with consumption increasing dramatically in recent times in part due to its health benefits and greater accessibility.  Extension of fresh fruit availability is of interest with strategies including extending the harvest season or via storage.  Pomegranate fruit undergo important late-developmental changes in physical characteristics, growth, and juice biochemistry. Fruit characteristics can differ markedly in early versus late harvested fruit which can affect microbial load within the fruit and subsequent postharvest storability.  Physico-chemical changes in pomegranate fruit were assessed and related to microbial flora.  Pomegranate fruit were harvested at different times, ranging from prematurity to late harvest and whole fruits and aril assessments made which included brix, pH, titratable acidity, anthocyanin content, rind color/water content. Microbial contamination was assessed at different locations within fruit.  Implications of physico-chemical changes as they relate to microbial contamination and growth will be discussed.