Efecto de la aplicación de ozono gaseoso en la conservación postcosecha de la pitahaya amarilla (Hylocereus megalanthus)

Abstract

The yellow pitahaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) is widely accepted in the Ecuadorian and international markets due to its nutritional, nutraceutical and functional properties. However, its short shelf life during post-harvest storage generates important losses for the industry. In this sense, the present bibliographic research aims to synthesize the effect of the application of gaseous ozone on pitahaya as an alternative for postharvest conservation and to determine the effect of ozone on its physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. In view of the results, ozone treatment is an effective alternative against spoilage microorganisms such as mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts; this treatment proved to be effective because it reduced the microbial load present in the pitahaya. The research showed that gaseous ozone acts positively on the physicochemical and sensory quality since the treatment does not present significant changes in these properties.