Digital image analysis and fractal metrics as potential tools to monitor colour changes in fresh-cut papaya (Carica papaya L.)

ABSTRACT

Quality changes induced in fresh papaya slices after cutting were evaluated using digital image analysis of colour and fractal metrics besides structural changes. Radial slices of papaya (65% and 85% ripe) were exposed to a controlled environment to simulate extreme conditions on a salad bar. Colour variation and mechanical-structural changes depended on surface dehydration, exposure time, and ripening stage. Relationship between fractal dimension, lacunarity, and time showed evidence of patterns associated with non-homogeneous colour changes related to structural variations. Fractal metrics had potential to reflect noticeable colour changes that would be useful for monitoring shelf stability of minimally processed papaya.

KEYWORDS:

• Colour
• Digital image analysis
• Fractal dimension
• Lacunarity
• Papaya
• Structure

Funding

Thanks are due to the Special Endowment Fund of the Universidad de La Sabana (Project 117-2010) for providing a grant for the first author and the financial resources for the development of this project and to the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional of México for the counselling process (SIP 20150613).

Additional information

Funding

Thanks are due to the Special Endowment Fund of the Universidad de La Sabana (Project 117-2010) for providing a grant for the first author and the financial resources for the development of this project and to the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional of México for the counselling process (SIP 20150613).