What maturity stages, often designated in assessments, ensure the peak concentration of lycopene, $\beta$-carotene, and total polyphenols in Gac fruit aril?
Answer
Fully ripe stage (stages A4 or A5)
The concentration of beneficial compounds within the Gac fruit is highly dependent on its maturity at harvest. The red aril, the fleshy pulp surrounding the seeds, is the primary reservoir for these vital pigments, including lycopene and beta-carotene. Scientific observation has shown that to achieve the maximum potential nutritional yield, harvesting must occur when the fruit reaches its fully ripe stage. This specific physiological state is frequently designated in maturity assessments as stages A4 or A5. Harvesting at this peak ripeness guarantees the highest measured levels of key phytochemicals, including lycopene, beta-carotene, and total polyphenols, maximizing the fruit's biological efficacy.
Related Questions
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