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Title: CONSUMER EVALUATION AND QUALITY MEASUREMENT OF FRESH-CUT SLICES 'GOLD RUSH''GOLDEN DELICIOUS', AND 'GRANNY SMITH' APPLES

Author
item Abbott, Judith
item Saftner, Robert
item JANICK, JULES - PURDUE UNIV.

Submitted to: Abstract of International Horticultural Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fresh-cut apple slices are desired as a convenient snack for general consumers and as a component in school lunch programs. Development of fresh-cut products requires reconsideration of cultivar selection as well as storage and preparation methods, particularly for products like apples that are stored for a relatively long time before fresh-cut preparation. We compared the eating quality of a new apple cultivar, Gold Rush, with Golden Delicious (one of its parents) and Granny Smith (currently used for fresh-cut slices). We also compared a commercial preservative treatment (NatureSeal for Apples) with an in-house treatment (calcium ascorbate and other active ingredients). Apples stored about 6 months were sanitized, cut into wedges without peeling, and served to 120 consumers (ARS staff volunteers who like apples, eat them frequently, and had no knowledge of the treatments). Panelists rated the acceptability of appearance, flavor, and texture. Subsamples were measured for color and firmness. Both NatureSeal and the in-house treatment maintained cut surface L*, a*, b* values similar to values at the time of cutting. NatureSeal was rated slightly better for texture than the in-house treatment; but there was no significant difference in appearance or flavor. Gold Rush scored highest for texture. Acceptability of texture was closely related to slope and area of force/deformation curves, but not to maximum force. Granny Smith scored highest for acceptability of appearance. GoldRush and Granny Smith were scored similarly for acceptability of flavor and Golden Delicious scored lower. The results indicate that Gold Rush is a promising cultivar for fresh-cut apple slices.