Michigan State University researchers have shown that new cantaloupe hybrids from Asgrow Vegetable Seeds offer the taste, texture and intense orange color that retailers and fresh-cut processors can have trouble finding, especially during the winter, which is an historically problematic supply window. For an industry that relies heavily on consumer satisfaction, improving winter fruit quality may be the best way to boost year-round consumption, say experts.

According to MSU Food Processing Center researchers, two new Asgrow hybrids - Magellan and Copa de Oro - maintained stable quality characteristics across production locations, seasons, and following refrigerated storage (a key trait for fresh-cut) during a 21-day post-harvest study funded by Asgrow. 

"I have been told frequently that they [retailers and fresh-cut operators] would like cantaloupe sourcing to be comparable to sourcing lettuce and carrots, where quality fluctuations aren't as volatile," said Asgrow's fresh-cut liaison Matthew Barreras. This is a goal that Asgrow has set
for itself.

"The first hurdle for the industry was finding reliable year-round supply," he recalled. "And that's what Asgrow accomplished when it developed the first Mission Line of hybrid cantaloupes in the late 1980s." But today, the industry needs more refined improvements.

"The problem is not quantity anymore, it's quality," he noted. "We're all taking a closer look at quality measurements. As you can see in this study, choosing the right hybrid has become very scientific."

STUDY RESULTS
According to the study's authors, fruit from eight widely planted hybrids were evaluated upon arrival after 5 to 7 days of travel from production sites in California, Arizona and Mexico to East Lansing, Michigan. Up to 21 days from harvest, a second set of evaluations were made. In addition, the effects of refrigeration on the fruit were evaluated. Samples were tested
for sweetness, fruit firmness, color and other quality traits.

Findings show that both Magellan and Copa de Oro exceeded the 9% and 10% soluble solids (sweetness) needed by fresh-cut operators (whose standards are typically more rigid than retailers) and maintained these high readings throughout the test. Fruit firmness was also measured, with Magellan scoring a 121, and fourteen days later, an 82 relative hardness value;
Copa de Oro recorded a 50 and a 54 average value. Scores of 50 and greater are considered ideal for fresh-cut product.  

Similarly positive results were achieved for fruit color. Data reveals that Magellan, Copa de Oro and several other Asgrow hybrids achieved color values of less than 40 (the smaller the number the better). Other samples had values in the high 50's, which many experts believe are too light for fresh-cut. Consumers want their cantaloupe orange, they underscored.

"This results [from new Asgrow hybrids] were very similar to Mission, the benchmark for main season sweetness, orange flesh color and texture," said Asgrow's produce industry liaison Leo Zanoni, who sorted through the 73 pages of findings. "In short, the great taste of summer melons can be achieved year-round without sacrificing shelf-life or recovery rates." He noted that only data for the Asgrow melons is being released since data for competitor hybrids was not replicated across different regions and production times as was done for the Asgrow hybrids.

Zanoni cautions that flavor, and ultimately consumer satisfaction, cannot be measured solely in a lab. That's why Asgrow sampled both Magellan and  Copa de Oro to nearly 500 visitors at the recent PMA Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. Shipped from Mexico, the flavor and crispness of these melons brought down the house, he said. "The taste and aroma was outstanding! People couldn't believe they were off-season melons," he said. Their immediate follow-up question: "Where can I get these cantaloupes?" 

SOURCING TIPS
So what questions should product procurers ask? And what are the ideal hybrid characteristics for fresh-cut? Zanoni emphasizes that it's important to request the average Brix (sweetness) and orange color intensity on every order. As long as the Brix average is at least 9% for winter and 10% for other times, '3/4 slip' fruit (a measurement of maturity at harvest) are as suitable as 'full slip'. Fruit with smaller seed cavities will result in higher flesh recovery as well.

An earlier MSU study, reported by Fresh-Cut magazine three years ago, also showed that fruit quality can be drastically hurt if cantaloupe plants are subjected to too much water before fruit harvest. "There is a direct relationship between increased unbound water (wet seed cavity) and the lack of flesh firmness or crispness," Zanoni said. "Cantaloupe flesh that is not firm and crisp will suffer more cellular damage and decay faster." For the same reason, he recommends not using eastern muskmelons for fresh-cut product due to reports of shorter shelf-life.

For growers targeting the fresh-cut or long-distance retail markets, monitoring water usage is vital for end-user quality, shelf-life and recovery, noted Asgrow vine-crop product manager and former melon grower Meir Peretz. "The fruit firmness values for Copa de Oro and other seed hybrids can be in excess of 100 or more if growers control the amount of water being applied to the plants, particularly before harvest," said Peretz. "As a rule of thumb, judicial use of water results in higher Brix, more intense internal color and firmer flesh."

Confused? Zanoni suggested that operators look beyond the hybrid names - most growers plant several hybrids for each planting slot, including Mission, Caravelle Cristobal, ImPac and other familiar names. "Ultimately, the producer best knows how and when to plant certain seed hybrids in each production area to achieve the highest quality," said Zanoni. "Set your standards and then partner with innovative growers that provide you with the products that meet your specs." For more detailed information on sourcing and availability, Zanoni said that Asgrow has published a Western Shipper Category Management report available for free.

Asgrow Vegetable Seeds, a Seminis business [NASDAQ: SMNS], develops and markets over 1000 vegetable variety choices in 108 countries. Worldwide headquarters are based in Saticoy, California. 

Company news release
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