Abstract: This study shows the effect of harvesting stage and storage on the changes in weight, volume, dimensions, peel firmness, beta carotene, and color values for Dashehari and ‘Banganapalli’ cultivars. The percentage weight loss and volume loss increased with the storage period and harvesting stage and the maximum decrease was reported in the late harvested fruits of both cultivars. The color parameters (L, a, b) also increased with an increase in the storage period and harvesting stage. The size and sphericity of mangoes decreased due to shrinkage and water loss during the storage period. The maximum reduction in size and sphericity was observed in fruits harvested at the early stage. The fruit diameter, sphericity and overall acceptability were recorded maximum in the mid-stage harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. The peel firmness of the fruits decreased during the storage and was observed maximum in early harvested fruits. The amount of ?
-carotene content was reported highest during storage in the late harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. These specific parameters could predict the ideal harvesting and storage time for mangoes.
