매실의 성숙도와 품종별 주요 성분의 변화를 조사한 결과, 수분함량은 수확시기와 품종간에 차이가 없었으며, 회분함량은 '소매'를 제외한 3품종 모두 성숙과 함께 약간 감소하였다. 가용성고형분은 품종간에 차이가 없이 완숙기에 이르면서 서서히 증가하였고, 산도는 성숙과 함께 증가하고 pH는 감소하였다. 색상은 '남고'가 개화 후 92일경에도 -3.81로 녹색값을 유지하였다. '소매'의 경우 개화 후 71일부터 클로로필이 급격히 소실되었다. 매실의 주요
This study was determined to change in chemical composition of Mume(Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc) fruits during maturation. There were no differences in the soluble solid and moisture content among varieties, but the soluble solid slowly increased with maturing. The pH and ash content were slightly decreased with maturation. The green color of 'Nanko' fruits was maintained for 92days after full bloom at the greeness value of -3.81 Whereas, the chlorophyll content of 'Koume' fruits remarkably decreased and it was not suitable for the processing of immature green Mume fruits. The titratable acidity increased during maturation. The organic acids were mainly composed of malic acid and citric acid. The malic acid was significantly decreased during maturation, whereas citric acid increased. Major free sugars and sugar alcohols were sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol and maltose. Sucrose content increased as the maturity proceeded, whereas glucose and sorbitol were decreased. The total contesnt of free amino acids decreased with maturation and the total free amino acids in the flesh of fruits were occupied by asparagine at the range of 60 to 78%.