Fruits high in calcium
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Fruits High in Calcium: A Comprehensive Overview
Importance of Calcium in Fruit Development
Calcium is a crucial nutrient for the growth and development of fruits. It plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes, including cell wall stabilization, membrane integrity, and signaling pathways2 4 10. Calcium deficiency in fruits can lead to several disorders such as bitter pit in apples and blossom end rot in tomatoes, highlighting the importance of adequate calcium nutrition1 2.
High-Calcium Fruits
Apples
Apples are known to have a high potential for calcium uptake, although calcium deficiency can still occur, leading to disorders like bitter pit and internal breakdown1. The calcium content in apples can be enhanced through pre-harvest calcium sprays or post-harvest calcium dips, which help in maintaining fruit quality and extending shelf life1.
Figs
Figs benefit significantly from calcium applications. Pre-harvest sprays of calcium chloride (CaCl2) have been shown to increase calcium concentration in fig fruits by 29.3%, improving their firmness and reducing decay3. This practice also extends the storage life of figs by approximately 7 to 10 days, making it a valuable technique for fig orchard management3.
Blueberries
Highbush blueberries also require proper calcium management to produce high-quality fruits. Foliar calcium sprays applied at different stages of fruit development have been found to increase fruit firmness and antioxidant properties6. Early calcium applications are particularly effective in enhancing these qualities6.
Sweet Cherries
In sweet cherries, calcium influx is closely related to transpiration and xylem functionality. The calcium content in sweet cherries increases continuously through to maturity, although the ratio of calcium to dry mass decreases over time5. Maintaining adequate calcium levels is essential to prevent disorders such as rain cracking5.
Olives
Calcium applications throughout the development of olives have been shown to enhance fruit quality, oil yield, and antioxidant content. Foliar treatments with calcium chloride improve the mechanical properties of olives without altering their morphology or causing phytotoxicity9. This practice also increases the concentration of beneficial phenolic compounds in the fruit9.
Mechanisms of Calcium Uptake and Distribution
Calcium uptake in fruits is primarily facilitated through the xylem and is highly dependent on water delivery and cell wall interactions2. The distribution of calcium within the fruit can vary, with higher concentrations often found in the stem end compared to the stylar scar end5. Factors such as xylem morphology, fruit water relations, and pectin composition can influence localized calcium deficiencies2.
Conclusion
Calcium is an essential nutrient for the development and quality of various fruits, including apples, figs, blueberries, sweet cherries, and olives. Adequate calcium nutrition can prevent physiological disorders, improve fruit firmness, and enhance antioxidant properties. Pre-harvest and foliar calcium applications are effective strategies to increase calcium content in fruits, thereby improving their overall quality and extending shelf life. Understanding the mechanisms of calcium uptake and distribution can further optimize calcium management practices in fruit cultivation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Calcium nutrition of apple trees: A review
Calcium deficiency is a causal factor for many disorders in apple fruits, with dipping ripe fruit in a calcium solution after harvest often protecting against permanent damage.
Literature ReviewFruit Calcium: Transport and Physiology
Calcium plays a crucial role in fruit development, ripening, and disease resistance, with sub-optimal calcium nutrition causing disorders like blossom end rot and bitter pit in grapes.
Literature Review
Highly CitedCalcium Nutrition in Fig Orchards Enhance Fruit Quality at Harvest and Storage
Pre-harvest application of 1% calcium chloride in fig orchards improves fruit quality and extends storage by 7-10 days, benefiting both growers and consumers.
Calcium and calcium sensors in fruit development and ripening
Calcium and calcium sensors play crucial roles in regulating fruit development and ripening, with potential molecular mechanisms underlying fruit physiology and ripening.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedCalcium physiology of sweet cherry fruits
Xylem functionality is the primary determinant of calcium relations in developing sweet cherry fruit, with calcium influx positively related to transpiration and decreasing as xylem functionality is lost during development.
Timing of Foliar Calcium Sprays Improves Fruit Firmness and Antioxidants in “Liberty” Blueberries
Early foliar calcium sprays improve fruit firmness and antioxidant response in "Liberty" highbush blueberries compared to late application treatments.
RCTCalcium and fructose intake in relation to risk of prostate cancer.
High fructose intake and increased fruit consumption may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer, while high calcium intake may increase it.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe language of calcium in postharvest life of fruits, vegetables and flowers
Calcium plays a crucial role in regulating postharvest physiology of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with potential for manipulation to enhance quality attributes and extend shelf life.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedCalcium applications throughout fruit development enhance olive quality, oil yield and antioxidant compounds' content.
Calcium foliar applications during fruit development effectively increase olive quality, oil yield, and antioxidant compounds' content without modifying fruit morphology or causing phytotoxicity.
Rigorous Journal