Effect of Postharvest Changes on the Quality Attributes of Cucumber from Maturity to Senescence

Abstract

The possible shelf-life of plant tissues after harvest has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with its rate of respiration This study investigated the postharvest changes on the physicochemical, proximate, and vitamin compositions in Cucumber (<i>Cucumis sativus)</i> at ambient temperature from maturity to senescence. The results showed that pH increased gradually from 3.6 on day 0 to 6.6 by day 83, while Total Soluble Solids (TSS) rose from 0.901% to 3.36%, indicating the process of metabolic activity and carbohydrate breakdown. The weight of the fruit initially increased from 306.71 g to 693.64 g before a slight decline, with corresponding rise in volume (154,858 mm³ to 504,858 mm³) and specific gravity (0.999–1.131), which is an indication of structural expansion and water accumulation. Glucose levels rose from 0.194 mg/ml to 0.376 mg/ml, while titratable acidity declined from 0.348% to 0.244%, suggesting a shift toward decreased acidity and enhanced sweetness. Proximate analysis indicated rising moisture (74.49–86.91%), ash (0.72–1.71%), crude fibre (0.93–1.87%), lipids (0.166–0.283%), and protein (1.55–2.86%), concurrent with a decrease in carbohydrate content from 22.14% to 6.37%, expressing metabolic breakdown of stored sugars. Vitamins A, C, and E showed a significant increase (0.151–0.291 mg/100 g, 4.57–6.03 mg/100 g, and 15.45–16.69 mg/100 g, respectively), exhibiting retention and enhancement of antioxidant potential during storage.