Characterization of different cultivars of citrus fruit for juice in the south of Spain

Abstract

The main destination of Spanish citrus is the fresh market; however, the cultivars destined to processed juice industries are gaining importance worldwide. The continuously emergence of citrus processing cultivars is an opportunity to the citrus sector. A comparative trial between several cultivars oriented to citrus processing juice industry based on internal fruit quality, yield and harvesting period has been studied: Ambersweet, Dahong, Hamlin, Salustiana, Shamouti, Cadenera, Pera, Barberina, Midknight Valencia, Valencia Delta Seedless and Valencia Rhode Red. Based on internal quality of the juice it is possible to discern between two groups of cultivars: early cultivars (Ambersweet, Dahong, Hamlin, Salustiana, Shamouti and Cadenera) and later cultivars (Pera, Barberina, Midknight, Valencia Delta Seedlees and Valencia Rhode Red). Between the early cultivars, Cadenera highlighted because obtained the highest values in juice percentage (J %), Dahong showed the highest titratable acidity (TA) and Salustiana the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and TA. However Dahong and Cadenera showed low yield in comparison to the rest of early cultivars. On the other hand, between the later cultivars, Barberina and Midknight highlighted because recorded the highest content in TSS and the largest J %. Valencia Delta Seedlees showed the highest TA and Valencia Rhode Red the highest color index of the juice. Valencia Delta Seedless was the most interesting cultivar due to the highest yield registered among the late cultivars.