Changes in the Biochemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Apples Stored in Controlled Atmosphere Conditions

Aurita Butkeviciute,Pranas Viskelis,Jonas Viskelis,Valdimaras Janulis,Mindaugas Liaudanskas

doi:10.3390/app11136215

Aurita Butkeviciute, Pranas Viskelis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136215

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Journal: Applied Sciences	Publication Date: Jul 5, 2021
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Apples are an important component of the diet and are used in the food industry in the production of food products and beverages. The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the biochemical composition and physicochemical properties of apples stored in a controlled atmosphere. We studied the biochemical composition (sugars, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, and titratable acidity) and physicochemical properties (color coordinates, peel, and flesh firmness) in the apple samples before placing them in the controlled atmosphere chambers and at the end of the experiment 8 months later. The total content of sugars and soluble solids was found to increase in the samples of apples stored in I to VIII conditions. The study showed a decrease in titratable acidity in apple samples of all cultivars stored in I to VIII conditions. The values of C*, L*, a*, and b* co-ordinates of apple colors were evaluated. Apple samples stored in VI conditions were the lightest color, and their lightness was close to that of fresh fruit. The firmness of apple peel samples of the ‘Sampion’ cultivar stored in I and III–VI conditions increased. The study is valuable and proves that, under the studied conditions, it is possible to extend the time of the provision of apples to the consumers with minimal changes in their chemical composition and nutritional value.

Highlights

Accepted: 1 July 2021Apples are among the most consumed fruits in the world [1], their annual amount grown reaching about 89.33 million tons [2]
The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the biochemical composition and physicochemical properties of different apple cultivars stored in a controlled atmosphere of different compositions
The study showed that the organoleptic and physical properties, as well as the chemical composition, of apple samples stored for 8 months under controlled atmospheric conditions changed

Summary

Introduction

Apples are among the most consumed fruits in the world [1], their annual amount grown reaching about 89.33 million tons [2]. Due to the different organoleptic and physical properties of apples, four apple idiotypes are distinguished: “American/European dessert apples” (regular shape, beautiful appearance, solid color, large size, and sweet-and-sour taste), “European refreshing apples”. (juicy and with a solid or two-tone skin color), “Asian dessert apples” (very sweet and juicy, with firm flesh and a long shelf life), and “juicy firm and crisp high-quality apples”. In order to meet the consumers’ needs and to enrich the diet with quality apples with a known chemical composition that ensures the high nutritional value of the apples, it is important to prepare them properly and to choose optimal storage conditions that would minimize changes in the chemical composition, as well as organoleptic and physical

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