Instrumental and sensory evaluation of seven apple (Malus domestica borkh.) cultivars under organic cultivation in Sicily

Abstract

In this trial we examined the quality of 7 clones belonging to more diffused apple polyclonal varietal groups, using chemical/physical and sensory analyses during two consecutive years. Galaxy, and their ameliorative clones Gala Annaglò® and Dalitoga (Gala clones) that ripen in summer, Erovan* Early Red One® and Scarlet Spur*-Evasni® (Red Delicious clone), Corail Pinova and its ameliorative clone RoHo 3615 * Evelina® that ripen in autumn were studied. Gala Annaglò® is interesting for the fruit size and peel color, Dalitoga for the early ripening and Galaxy for the crunchiness and consistency. All the Gala clones reached very high total solid soluble content confirmed by the panel judgment of the sweetness and acidity descriptors. The Red Delicious clones confirm the larger size and the high colorimetric standard of all covered red fruits; the new clone Scarlet Spur*-Evasni® reached an interesting fruit size and peel colour intensity and uniformity, and the best total solid soluble content to total acidity ratio confirmed by the sensory descriptors of acidity and sweetness. Moreover, it reached very high values of crunchiness, consistency and interesting values of apple flavour, honey flavour and fruit flavour. The ameliorative clone RoHo 3615*Evelina® was characterized by well uniform and intense coloured fruits and a more balanced total solid soluble content to total acidity ratio, and interesting values of crunchiness, consistency, apple flavour, honey flavour and fruit flavour. This study confirms the relationship between instrumental and sensory analysis.