CLEANING METHOD AFFECTS SHRINKAGE RATE OF CITRUS-FRUIT

The shrinkage rate of 'Marsh' grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.), 'Ambersweet' hybrid [(C. reticulata Blanco x C. paradisi Macf. x C. reticulata) x C. sinensis (L.) Osb.] and 'Valencia' oranges [C. sinensis (L.) Osb.] was increased 50 % to 150% by washing the fruit with rotary brushes, but was not changed by hand-washing the fruit with cellulose sponges. Internal CO, increased using both washing methods. Waxed fruit obtained from five Florida packinghouses and cleaned with rotary brushes and waxed had shrinkage rates the same as those of nonwashed controls. Thus, controlling the washing process is important to minimize shrinkage of fresh citrus fruit.