Abstract
One of the most important groups of bioactive substances in apples are antioxidants, which have a health-preserving effect. The amount of these compounds varies not only during the ripening of the apple fruit, but also continuously during post-harvest storage. A growing group of health-conscious consumers are looking for apple varieties with a nutritional value that satisfies their needs.
 In the scope of our research, we examined 5 apple varieties originating from the Derecske horticultural site of KITE cPlc. in 2016. The plantation was planted to be suitable for intensive apple production. Samples were collected at the time of maturity (August-October) of the given variety. The 5 examined apple varieties (Gaia, Isaaq, Modí, Smeralda and Fujion) are all resistant to apple scab (fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis). The 2-month storage experiment was conducted at 16–17 °C, which had an aggressive effect on our stored apples. Total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content as well as FRAP values of the apples were measured. Measurements were taken immediately after harvest and after 1 and 2 months of storage. Our results were evaluated by using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software. Our aim was to compare the antioxidant results of 5 scab-resistant apple varieties, which change continuously during storage.
 The antioxidant content of our apple varieties increased during 2 months storage. The best result was achieved by the Modí apple variety (FRAP: 467.32 mg/100g; TFC: 317.76 mg/100g; TPC: 1771.97 mg/100g). Consumers may want to consume apples stored for a longer period of time if they are to absorb large amounts of antioxidants.
Highlights
Apples are taxonomically classified as belonging to the Pomoideae subfamily of the Rosaceae family (Borhidi, 1998; Velasco et al, 2010)
Our apple varieties statistically divided into 2 groups on the first measurement date, Gaia and Modí belonged to one group, while Isaaq, Smeralda and Fujion belonged to the other group
Evaluating our results it can be said that the measured antioxidant levels increased in our apple varieties during storage under the conditions set by us
Summary
Apples are taxonomically classified as belonging to the Pomoideae subfamily of the Rosaceae family (Borhidi, 1998; Velasco et al, 2010). In 1950, 13.5 million tonnes of apples were produced globally, 34.4 million tonnes in 1980 and 69.7 million tonnes in 2010 (O'Rourke, 1994; O'Rourke, 2003; FOASTAT, 2016) This increasing trend can still be observed today, according to data from 2016, total apple production in the world reached 89.33 million tonnes (FAOSTAT, 2016). Producers in Hungary prefer apple varieties that can be stored longer (Idared) Another important aspect when choosing a variety is the resistance of the particular variety against diseases. Taking into account the above, cultivation of resistant varieties may be one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways (Jha et al, 2009) It is the common interest of health-conscious consumers and producers to keep less and less chemicals in apple production. The fungus infects apples mainly during rainy periods, after which the symptoms appear on the leaves, flowers and fruits of the apple tree
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