Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and other quality related criteria of 'Summerred' apples as influenced by postharvest Storage conditions

Summary

‘Summerred’ apples were harvested and stored in normal atmosphere (NA: 21% O2 + 0.2-0.5% CO2) or controlled atmosphere (CA: 1-1.5% O2 + 1-1.5% CO2) at two different temperatures (1 and 5°C) for four months. Samples were analysed for phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, starch content, ground colour and red skin colour. Apples stored in CA at 1°C showed higher values of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid and were more firm than apples stored in NA at 5°C. Weight loss in apples was lower in CA compared to NA. Storage conditions had only small effect on the content of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity of the apples was not influenced by any of the storage conditions. All in all, storage conditions such as atmosphere and temperature appear to have more influence on the quality criteria related to taste and appearance than on the health related parameters of ‘Summerred’ apples.

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DOI : doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.20...
NVA : hdl.handle.net/11250/5080601