Selected under-utilised fruits and their potential for enhanced fruit security and commercial exploitation in

Mauritius.

Name: Babooa Anusha

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CONTENTScommon name:avocado..................................................................................................................................................................4

consumer potential.....................................................................................................................................................................4

product marketing characteristics................................................................................................................................................4

production potential...................................................................................................................................................................5

economic potential.....................................................................................................................................................................5

common name: star fruit/carambola...............................................................................................................................................6

consumer potential.....................................................................................................................................................................6

product marketing characteristics...............................................................................................................................................6

production potential...................................................................................................................................................................7

economic potential.....................................................................................................................................................................7

common name: passion fruit yellow................................................................................................................................................8

Consumer potential.....................................................................................................................................................................8

product marketing characteristics...............................................................................................................................................8

production potential...................................................................................................................................................................9

economic potential.....................................................................................................................................................................9

common name: pomegranate/grenade fruit.................................................................................................................................10

consumer potential...................................................................................................................................................................10

product marketing characteristics.............................................................................................................................................10

production potential.................................................................................................................................................................11

economic potential...................................................................................................................................................................11

common name: acerola/barbados cherry......................................................................................................................................12

consumer potential...................................................................................................................................................................12

product market characteristics.................................................................................................................................................12

production potential.................................................................................................................................................................13

economic potential...................................................................................................................................................................13

Common name: custard apple/atte...............................................................................................................................................14

Consumer potential...................................................................................................................................................................14

Product marketing characteristics.............................................................................................................................................14

Production potential.................................................................................................................................................................14

Economic potential...................................................................................................................................................................14

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................................................................15

List of references...........................................................................................................................................................................16

Appendix........................................................................................................................................................................................17

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Introduction Mauritius enjoys a gentle maritime climate with summer extending from October to April and winter from May to September. In summer, the island is under the threats of tropical depression cyclones of varying intensity, usually in the months of November to March. On average, one cyclone passes within 100km of Mauritius each year. It receives on average an annual rainfall of 21,00mm of rainfall with 70% of it occurring in summer.

Local fruits are very rich in minerals and vitamins and should be consumed regularly. A large quantity of fruits is imported especially during winter when the local production is low. Thus so as to reduce imports, the Mauritian government has adopted strategies to encourage fruit production. Several authors have highlighted the potential of several underutilised fruits and the need for research to improve their utilization and nutrition security. Fruit security will not only improve nutrition but also enhance job creation and provide Mauritians with increased income generation.

In this review, the potential of selected fruit species: Avocado, Star fruit, Passion fruit, Pomegranate, Acerola cherry and Custard apple, with their diverse uses have been discussed. They were selected because of recent research interest, their potential for fruit security and their adaptation to the Mauritian climate.

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COMMON NAME:AVOCADObotanical name: Persea americana

Family: Lauraceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL The avocado has a unique flavour amongst fruits, consisting neither of sweetness nor acid but rather a mild ‘nutty’ sensation (B.W.CULL,2000). In a survey carried by Harker in 2009, it was found that consumers prefer avocado fruit with at least 25% dry matter and select bruising as the major defect followed by rots. Avocado fruit maturity and quality characteristics are often variable resulting in variation within a shipment in ripening rates, shelf-life and quality. Inferior fruit quality is seen as one of the key factors impacting on supply chain efficiency and profitability (Margetts,2009). Research has shown that if a consumer is dissatisfied with the fruit quality, then that concumer will not purchase that commodity for another 6 weeks(Embry,2009).

The total dry matter in the edible portion of the avocado,at 30%, and the protein content at around 2%, is greater than in any other fresh fruit. The flesh recovery from the fruit is variable between varieties but ranges between 70-80% (Popenoe 1920). The fruit is rich in vitamins A,B,E, minerals, dietary fibres. The avocado fat consists predominantly of monounsaturated oleic acids, which has been found to reduce harmful LDL-cholesterol while maintaining beneficial HDL-cholesterol(Minas K. Papademetrion).

Retail and consumer surveys over the last 15 years have shown that consumers are not always satisfied with avocado quality, mainly because of poor flesh quality that cannot be determined until the fruit is cut(Hoffman & Ledger 1999). Another constraint is that most consumers prefer other more edible fruits that are available throughout the year rather than the avocado. However, with governmental support and more consumer awareness, the fruit can provide much needed household nutrition security.

PRODUCT MARKETING CHARACTERISTICS It has wide range of uses from savoury to dessert. In an overview of the South African avocado industry in 2007, D.J Donkin has estimated that 10-20% of the annual crop is processed either into ‘guacamole’-a savoury dip or oil is extracted from reject fruit and is used in cosmetic industry. It can also be consumed fresh. Processed avocado products are sold locally as well as on the export market.

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PRODUCTION POTENTIAL The fruit is generally pear shaped, the edible part being a thick layer of greenish-yellow pulp. It is contained between the skin and the large seed. The fruit never ripens completely on the tree but continues to enlarge in size. A fruit will only ripen after it is harvested fron the tree(J. Lawrence). The fruit needs careful handling as spoilage rates are high. Trials at the Kenyan Agricultural Research institute(KARI) have succeeded in extending the shelf-life of the fruit fron 5-10 days and has helped to reduce losses of fruit destined for export. The fruit is susceptible to a range of problems related to water stress resulting in reduced yield and fruit quality. Mature fruits have a dull appearance and there is a slight shrivelling and yellowing of the fruit stalk. If an immature avocado is picked, it will not ripen to an acceptable eating quality and will often shrivel and develop fruit rots. External colour is not a maturity characteristic and its smell is too weak and appears later in its maturity stage. Since maturity is a major component of avocado quality and palatibility, it is important to harvest mature fruit (Gaete Garreton et al. 2005). According to Tony Whiley from the department of Primary Industries,Queensland,although trees may start to bear fruit in the second year, commercial quantity are generally not harvested until the third year. Yields depends on variety, season and level of management and are very variable across farms and districts( It can vary from 7t/ha to 20t/ha). Kosiyachinda and Young( 1976) found that the edible ripe fruit can have its life extended by up to 40 days by storage at 2°C.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL World production of avocados has increased more than four-fold over the past four decades, according to FAO. The US is the largest importer(the fruit is an important economic crop over there), followed by France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Avocados present good prospect for small-scale farmers wanting to diversify output. However, they need more assistance in meeting phytosanitary regulations stipulated by the European market. With proper varietal selection it should be possible to exploit the possibility of off-season production, thus increasing the availabilty of fruits for a longer period during the year. Fruits produced can be marketed easily ,particularly to meet the requirement of the growing tourist industry. Three european countries act as hubs/redistribution centers for the avocado trade in Europe: Netherlands, Spain & France, which is also the largest consumer. Growing demand by these countries has resulted in a 14% increase in imports since 2005. Industry analyses indicate that further expansion in demand is likely as consumers become educated about the health benefits of avocados( Brett wedding 2011).

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COMMON NAME: STAR FRUIT/CARAMBOLABotanical name: Averrhoa carambola

Family: Oxalidaceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL The fruit has an attractive star shape with a pleasant flavour. Carambolas can be promoted as a fruit with a high content of vitamin c and minerals such as potassium and sodium, with a fresh, sweet/sour taste that quenches thirst (MATRADE 2004). Its vitamin C content is comparable to that of citrus fruit (35-40mg/100g), (J.-P. Lekeu). It posseses good nutritive value, as it contains very low fat, high vitamin B&C , good source of potassiuma and fiber. Two fruits a day provide one with a daily intake of potassium of 600mg (Ministry of Agriculture, Malaysia,2004). A disadvantage is the oxalic acid content of up to 0.51%. consumer acceptance depends upon flavour, texture & nutrition factors. The fruit is a pleasure both to the taste and to the eye (Charles J.Wagner et al. 1975).

PRODUCT MARKETING CHARACTERISTICS Carambola fruits are suitable raw materials for wine production. The juice also contains fermentable sugars(sucrose) which couldsupport the growth ethanol fermenting microorganisms. The physico-chemical characteristics of the juice suggest the feasibility of modifying the juice into a suitable must that could yield adequate amount of alcohol to form wine(Sayali et al.). It can be consumed fresh but there is an increasing use of it as a juice. It may also be processed into preserves,jams & jellies. On a rare note, they are used in black tea infusion. The pulp has a pleasant, fresh, acid taste and is slightly fibrous.

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PRODUCTION POTENTIAL It is a decorative, evergreen shrub with alternate leaves being dark green and a little shiny. The trees are long lived andconsistent bearers(Malo and Campbell 1972). The fruits are ovoid berries, golden yellow in colour, with a juicy, slight acid pulp. Fruits are harvested when it is still green. It is only with increasing ripeness that the fruit acquires its sweetness. The longer it is stored, its colour changes gradually to bright yellow, with time, the fruit even turns to a dark yellow. This does not impair the fruit’s texture or its nutritional contents but is a sign that it has reached the optimal ripeness. After harvesting, the fruit does not produce sugar. Consequently the sweetest fruit are tree ripened. The fruit is considered mature when the colour begins to ‘break’ from green to gold between ribs. Properly cultivated trees may begin to produce fruit within 10-14 months after plantring. This increases quickly as the trees mature, yielding 250-300lb/tree after as little as 7 years(Phill Ross, 1997).

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL Major star fruit importers are Netherlands, France, Germany, Singapore. A small niche market may be developped for canned carambola juice as an end consumer product which could be sold through oriental food shops. Full production can be achieved at about 4 years after planting. Therfore it is a quick return crop, unlike long gestation crops such as mango. Investment in carambola production ,thus is not along term propasition and the crop can be planted with other long gestation crops to bring about early returns (W.KUPPELWIESSER).

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COMMON NAME: PASSION FRUIT YELLOWBotanical name: Passiflora edulisvar.f.flavicarpa

Family: Passifloraceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL Passifloraceae is a high value and export oriented crop.It stands out not only for its exotic and unique flavour and aroma but also for its amazing nutritional and medicinal properties. However, consumer understands of the fruit is still poor. It is unfortunate that the fruit is at its best when it has begu to shrivel and looks least appealing (Jr & Julian W.Sauls). The 2007 research by Baker showed the following-“All wholesalers and retailers agreed there was strong consumer demand for passion fruit. These views were supported by consumer research which was also undertaken at the same time. The most positive feature about the fruit was its unique taste and flavour. Other positive attributes included its aroma, visual appeal of the pulp, ease of use and versatlity. The most common criticism from retailers was how quickly the fruit wrinkled. An associated comment was the short shelf life and wastage with passion fruit. Inconsistent pulp content were also criticised. Promotion of the fruit was strongly supported by retailers and wholesalers. Consumer education about selection,storage,uses and health benefits was reccomended and necessary,they believed”.

The fruits are rich in mineral,salts, vitamin especially A(carotenoid) and C(ascorbic acid). Its juice has a wonderful aroma and flavour. fruits are seldom found in the Mauritian market for the fruits are refreshing and is a low-energy fruit with fairly rich amount of carbohydrate and high seed oil content. The pulp contains on average 13% of sugar (J.P Gaillard 1988).

PRODUCT MARKETING CHARACTERISTICS The principle processed passion fruit products are juice and pulp. The major uses for these are as ingredients in yoghurts, ice cream, jams, flavouring and in fruit juices. The undiluted juice is highly concentrated but is as excellent additive to other fruit juices or it may be drunk as an ade if water and sugar are added. It is widely accepted in different markets and there is a large potential for exports not to mention its pharmacological properties (Borges et Lima 2002).

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PRODUCTION POTENTIAL It is a climacteric fruit. When it ages, the epidermis wrinkles but this does not affect the pulp quality. It keeps well for 4-5 days at 8-12°C. The shelf life depends on stage of maturity but is generally 5-6 days. The yellow variety is more attractive than the purple one. Yields are higher from 10-25 tonnes per hectare per year and as much as 55 tonnes in certain cases with a juice yield of 30-40%. It is less likely to be affected by pest and diseases. In order, to optimize flavour quality and storage life, the fruit intended for export should be harvested with 70% yellow colour. At this stage, fruit harvested at stage of ripeneness will have a larger storage life. A passion fruit orchard may have alife span of 3-5 yers. The fruits are harvested when they have dropped to the ground. Green/immature fruits should not be pickes off the vines as they will not ripen, they will be off flavoured and have the higher concentration of cyanogenic glycosides(a toxin produced by the vines). Fruits should be collected 2-3 times per week( Edward A.Evans 2007). Shelf life of the yellow passion fruit is shorter (1 week) than that of the purple passion fruit(4-5 week). However, yield is higher than the purple variety(30t or more/ha) and the yellow ones are more vigorous,have larger fruit size and greater weight, 6-8cm and 70g respectively.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL The economic life of the passion fruit is considered as five years.It is not economical to maintain the vines afterwards,even though yield can be obtained after five years. Purple skinned dominate demand for passion fruit in Europe and the yellow skinned ones is little known, thus creating opportunity for an exotic niche market (Dr Peter Jaeger 2001). The Unite Kingdom is the largest consumer of the fruit. The market potential is small but is high valued and also high priced. The fruit is potentially a foreign exchange earning crop. Brazil is the biggest producer of passion fruits but consumes everything on domestic markets.

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COMMON NAME: POMEGRANATE/GRENADE FRUITBotanical name: Punica granatum

Family: Punicaceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL Pomegranate is a handsome deciduous and somewhat thorny large shrub/small tree. It has long been cultivated as as ornamental and for its edible fruit. The product that consumers are currently willing to pay higher prices for are larger red pomegranates. It has a pleasant flavour and arome. There is a growing evidence that pomegranates contain agents(antioxidants) against cancer, particularly cancer. Increased world consumption is partly driven by these claims and observations (Tony Portman 2008). It contains iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium which helps in better regulation of blood in the body. Sugar content of its juice is about 12-16%. This sugar is light for digestion (Ravikumar K.T. 2009). Both peel and pulp contain many different kinds of antioxidants-flavonoids,anthocyanins,tannins. Many studies have shown that tannin is carcingenic and excessive ingestion of tannin from 1 or more sources,over a prolonged time is detrimental to health(morton J. 1987).

PRODUCT MARKETING CHARACTERISTICS It can be eaten as a fresh fruit or fresh/concentrated juice. It can also be used as a dye and as decorations. It has pharmaceutical and medicinal uses. It can be processed into products like cold drinks, carbonated drinks, wine and syrup prepared from pomegranate juice. There is potential to market the juice on the domestic anbd export markets. Pomegarante have high level of polyphenols or antioxidants and is now being promoted as a health food especially for the juice market. Juice extracted from each fruit is about 50% of the fruit weight. Aril juice is used as a base to make wine, beverages. Waste material after juice extraction is used for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The fruit is highly decorative and the arils are used as accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Demand for fresh separated pomegranates arils as a complement to dishes is high(Tony Portman 2008).

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PRODUCTION POTENTIAL The plant takes three to four years to mature and 6-8 years to reach full production. When plant has reached full production it can produce up to 20-25 tonnes/hectare at maturity. The tree is adapted to many different environment. Fruit weighing more than 500grams with superior qualities have immediate and ready acceptance in the international market. The plant vigour declines after about fifteen years. Fruit cannot be ripened off the tree even with ethylene treatment. Growers generally consider the fruit ready for harvest if it makes a metallic sound when tapped(Villas T.Jhadhav). one major problem is cracking at time of maturity leading to huge economic losses to farmers(Tony Portman 2008).

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL Pomegranate is a high value crop. The entire tree is of great economic importance. Demand in the international market has widened the scope for earning higher dividends from this crop.Profiatbility up to 1.5 hundred thousand/ha/annum have been demonstrated by some growers. It is, therefore, highly remunerative crop for replacing subsistence farming, thus alleviating poverty levels. It provides national security and has high potential to develop wastelands and an is an ideal crop for diversification. Moreover it makes higher contribution to GDP with a small area (Vilas T.Jadhav).

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COMMON NAME: ACEROLA/BARBADOS CHERRYBotanical name: Malpighia glabra

Family:Malpighiaceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL The skin of the fruit is very thin and easily bruised.The fruit is attractive and a pleasant taste when fully ripe but very susceptible to damage. the fruit has been historically known as a concentrated source of natural ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Juices from Acerola cherries is useful for fortifying the ascorbic acid content of other fruit. The fruit has been used as a commercial source of vitamin C in dietary supplements as well as other food products. In general, ascorbic acid content of Acerola fruit tends to decrease as the fruit matures. Antioxidant activity of combined Acerola and phytoestrogen extracts could help reduce the oxidation of LDL, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. It also has anti-fungal properties. One fruit of Acerola will satisfy the daily requirements of an adult for vitamin c. In some countries, it is known as the ‘tree of life’ due to its exceptional nutritive and tonic properties(K.R.Chapman).

PRODUCT MARKET CHARACTERISTICS It can be processed into fresh juice, frozen ice, baby food, ice cream and vacuum dried powders. It has limited fresh uses due to its tender and perishable nature. It is widely consumed fresh in areas where it has been grown. The bark consist of 20-25% tannin and is used in the leather industry; the wood is hard and heavy. Trials have demonstrated that it refuses to ignite even when treated with flammable fluid unless perfectly dry. It has medicinal uses such that it is beneficial to patients with liver ailments, diarrhea.dysentery, coughs and cold (Julia F.Morton,1987).

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PRODUCTION POTENTIAL It is a small (3-5m of height) attractive shrub which can be used for its ornamental value in the landscape. The fruit is bright red berry-like juicy drupe. Average fruit weight is 7-10g and each plant produces 20-30kg of fruit. Fruits mature from green to red but can be a yellowish red when fully ripe. It can ripen within 25 days. The fruit quality starts to degrade quickly after harvest. Transport and handling of fresh acerola fruits only accelerates the rapid decomposition of the fruit quality. Thus cold storage and timely processing is extremely important. Hand harvesting is the only method used at present.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL As fresh fruit, export would be very limited because of highly perishable nature of the fruit. As processed products, acerolas would have some export potential as a source of ascorbic acid. In the US it is used in the pharmaceutical industry and in European countries , the extract is used to enrich pear and apple juices. It represents an alternate source of income in the agri-business. The fruits’ demand has increased in the recent years due to its vitamin C content for nutritional supplement.

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COMMON NAME: CUSTARD APPLE/ATTEBotanical name: Annona squamosa

Family: annonaceae

CONSUMER POTENTIAL

Fruits are very sweet with a fragrant pulp. They have a pleasant and exotic flavour which is considered to be the most desirable characteristics of custard apple. It has a unique and creamy texture. Consumer can benefit from desert product available in the cooler months when few others are not available. It is easy to digest,has no fat,low acid and plenty of vitamin C and A . Consumers have poor knowlegde of how to buy , ripen and prepare the fruit (AGACA and HAL,March 2006).

PRODUCT MARKETING CHARACTERISTICS It is sold mainly for fresh consumption( eaten raw or used in fruit salad)or for the preparation of juices and ice cream(Leal,1990). The leaves and the bark of the tree have potential medicinal and insecticidal applications and the kernels of the fruit also contain toxns. Bio-fuels can potentially be extracted from the seeds. The seeds, leaves and young fruits are insecticidal. Leaf juice kills lice and is also used in tanning(Julia Morton 1987).

PRODUCTION POTENTIAL It is a very branched out tree(4-6m tall). The fruit is round,spherical or ovoid and 5-10cm in diameter(Purseglove,1966). It is well adapted to semi arid regions(Maia et al,1986). It is harvested when it has lost all green colour and ripens without splitting so that it is readily sold in the local markets. If picked green,it will not colour well and will be of inferior quality. The tree is naturally a heavy bearer. It takes 20-25 weeks to reach maturity.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL Expansion of the custard apple industry has been limited by the availability of high yielding, quality varieties and suitable rootstocks. Yet the increased demand for custard apple tree has encouraged the collection, characterization and evaluation of germplasm aimed at obtaining cultivars(Sousa et al,2001). Produce from the fruit tree could possibly sustain s diverse range of micro-enterprises,ranging from food processing to the manufacture of organic insecticides. Each of these small businesses represents job opportunities fo the local community-either operating individually or organised as micro-credit co-operative groups(Dr.S. P Singh, 1995).

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CONCLUSIONThe Mauritius standard bureau manages the ISO 9000 series and is responsible for the certification, but exporters may use foreign certification bodies if requested by their clients overseas. The governmnent is pushing the agri-sector towards enhanced fruit security and has adopted certain strategies. Some of the major objectives are mentioned below;

1) A total of 23,500 hectares in Mozambique have been made available to the government of Mauritius. The latter will be allocating plots of land to private.local and foreign investors on the condition hat 25% of all crops produced are made available to the mauritiuan and Mozambique government.

2) Special loan schemes with an amount of up to Rs 40,000/arpent or Rs200,000/borrower, have been devised for fruit producers.

3) A targeted area of 100ha for the minor fruit species will, in addition to constituting a gene bank for all these species, provide an economic production potential of around 3000t of exotc fruits by 2015;the fruit village will be consolidated.

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LIST OF REFERENCES1. Dr.S. P Singh, 1995, commercial fruits,3620012. Guide du rayon, les specialites, fruit et legumes,Avril 1997,ISBN-2-87911-091-23. Prof Dr Aliah Hanim et al, seminar on’’opportunities to increase Tropicalfruits

exports in Europe”, 15th August 20084. Implementation and coordination of Agricultural Research and training(ICART) in

the SADC region(Mauritius), July 2008.pdf5. Blueprint for a ‘Sustainable Diversifird Agri food strategy for Mauritius 2008-2015.

Ministry of AgroIndustry and fisheries, July 2008.pdf6. Ministry of Agro industry and Fisheries, strategic options in crop diversification and

livestock sector(2007-2015)7. Betty Molesworth Allen,1967,Malyan fruits;An introduction to the cultivated

species(with Thai and Tamil names),Donald Moore press Ltd,Singapore8. Queensland Department of primary industries, 1984, Tropical tree fruits for Australia9. B.W.CULL, Factors important in assesseing the potential of tropical tree fruit species

for Australian Horticulture10. Phill Ross,1997, opportunities for commercially under-exploited tropical

fruits,vegetables and nuts, Queensland Horticulture Institute Centre for wet tropics Agriculture

11. Morton J,1987,Custard Apple, In; fruits of warm climates,pg80-8312. AGACA and HAL,March 2006,Custard apple,industry strategic plan 2006-201113. Julia F.Morton,1987, fruits of the warm climates,Barbados cherry,pg 204-20714. Sally Christie, 2007,December 19, pomegranates-Albanian export crop to Europe and

the region15. Jr et Julian W,Sauls, the passion fruit,University of Florida,IFAS extension.HS6016. Saurindra P.Ghosh.Avocado in India,FAO corporate document Repository

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APPENDIX

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Figure shows a timeline of the selected under-utilised fruits, (each fruit is represented by the colour used above)