Ripening disorders, characterized by uneven softening, are often observed in mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit. Softness was measured in mesocarp samples taken from different parts of the fruit of four mango cultivars at different stages of ripeness.
In the fully ripe fruit, the inner mesocarp was significantly softer than the outer mesocarp. The difference was greater in Harumanis and Mulgoa than in Kensington and Haden cultivars. In Kensington and Mulgoa fruit, mesocarp at the stylar end of the fruit was softer than at the pedicel end. In all cultivars, the inner mesocarp had significantly higher total soluble solids and pH, and a lower titratable acidity than the outer mesocarp.