Research on the apples quality marketed in the Moldova area from the physico-chemical and sensorial point of view

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify the assortment of apple varieties traded in Moldova and an radiography performing on the products quality in terms of physico-chemichal and sensorial properties. The biological material is represented by 8 varieties of apple (Generos, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Starkimson, Florina, Jonathan și Idared) purchased from different supermarkets or markets. The physico-chemichal analysis consisted on determination of dry powder, water, sugar and vitamin C content, titrable acidity, maturation degree by starch hydrolisis and diameter, weight and firmness of apples. Research findings indicated that apples marketed in autumn come mainly (65%) from internal production while the imported apples representing 35%. Fruits folding is mostly in bulk (62,5%), the difference being found in the retail packed in bags or polythene bags, cardboard boxes and crates alveolar plates of wood or cardboard. The results obtained for apples firmness reveals that Starkimson (17,45 UP/5 sec), Granny Smith (20,45 UP/5 sec),Jonathan (20,45 UP/5 sec) și Generos varieties (25,85 UP/5 sec) are distinguished by a low consistency and a degree of maturation advanced, results that are consisistent with the degree of starch hydrolysis where the values range between 9R to 10R projecting over the state of supramaturation for this varieties. Therefore, it is believed that the produsts of this varieties are not suitable for long term storage being indicated the trade on markets or on processing units of apple in short term.