Ancient Danish Apple Cultivars-A Comprehensive Metabolite and Sensory Profiling of Apple Juices.

Nunzia Iaccarino,Torben Bo Toldam-Andersen,Birk Schütz,Camilla Varming,Mikael Agerlin Petersen,Søren Balling Engelsen,Antonio Randazzo,Nanna Viereck

doi:10.3390/metabo9070139

Abstract

In recent decades, intensive selective breeding programs have allowed the development of disease-resistant and flavorsome apple cultivars while leading to a gradual decline of a large number of ancient varieties in many countries. However, the re-evaluation of such cultivars could lead to the production new apple-based products with health beneficial properties and/or unique flavor qualities. Herein, we report the comprehensive characterization of juices obtained from 86 old, mostly Danish, apple cultivars, by employing traditional analysis (ion chromatography, °Brix, headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and panel test evaluation) as well as an innovative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based screening method developed by Bruker for fruit juices, known as Spin Generated Fingerprint (SGF) Profiling™. Principal component analysis showed large differences in aroma components and sensory characteristics, including odd peculiar odors and flavors such as apricot and peach, and very different levels of phenolic compounds, acids and sugars among the analyzed juices. Moreover, we observed a tendency for late-season juices to be characterized by higher °Brix values, sugar content and they were perceived to be sweeter and more flavor intense than early-season juices. Our findings are useful for the production of specialty vintage-cultivar apple juices or mixed juices to obtain final products that are characterized both by healthy properties and peculiar sensory attributes.

Highlights

IntroductionEuropean populations seems to prefer apple juice over peach, pineapple and other fruit juices
Apple (Malus domestica) juice consumption is widely spread worldwide, and it is supposed to grow in coming years [1], probably due to its specific pleasant taste and potential health benefits [2].In particular, European populations seems to prefer apple juice over peach, pineapple and other fruit juices
Apple cultivars, by employing traditional analysis (ion chromatography, ◦ Brix, headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and panel test evaluation) as well as an innovative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based screening method developed by Bruker for fruit juices, known as Spin Generated Fingerprint (SGF) ProfilingTM

Summary

Introduction

European populations seems to prefer apple juice over peach, pineapple and other fruit juices. This is in line with the juice market in Denmark, where the apple juice represents 29.7% of total juice consumption, being the third most consumed juice after orange juice and flavor mixes. Apple cultivars such as Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Empire have become more popular among consumers all over the world.

Methods

Results

Conclusion