ABSTRACT
52Calcium (Ca2+) can delay ripening and senescence-related processes, possibly by regulating signaling responses and inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis and respiration in fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Ca2+ treatments inhibit softening of fruits and vegetables by increasing cell wall strength, inhibiting cell wall breakdown, and maintaining proper cellular membrane function and turgor pressure. Calcium treatments can also inhibit loss of flavor and nutritional values, improve tissue antioxidant capacity, and reduce physiological disorders and decay incidence in fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Ca2+ is applied to fruits and vegetables by dipping, washing, vacuum or pressure infiltration, mixing with wax coatings, or electrostatic powder coating. Selection of the Ca2+ source depends on bioavailability and solubility, effects on flavor, and interaction with fruits and vegetables substances. Significant advances to maintain quality and extend postharvest life of fruits and vegetables have been made by combining Ca2+ with other techniques. The best Ca2+ concentration, application form, source, and combination with other techniques has to be determined for each fruit, vegetable, and fresh-cut product. Future studies and perspectives are discussed.
