Classification of ripening period and development of colour grade chart for Neelam mangoes using multivariate cluster analysis

A study was carried out for scientific classification of ripening period of mango into different stages and develop a colour grade chart. The physico-chemical properties (TSS, titrable acidity), external and internal colour values and textural characteristic (peel strength, stiffness and flesh firmness) were measured throughout the ripening period. PCA along with Hierarchical clustering with Ward method were used in this study and the ripening period of mango fruits were classified into five stages, viz. unripe, early ripe, partially ripe, ripe and over ripe. Based on the ripening stages, a colour grade chart was developed for Neelam mango along with physico-chemical, textural and colour values during five stages. The developed colour grade chart can be used as a useful rapid, non-destructive grading method for Indian mangoes at pack houses and pulping industries.