PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, FLAVOR AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO SWEET CHERRY VARIETIES GROWN IN 'VALLE DEL JERTE' (SPAIN)

Volatile compounds and physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of two sweet cherry varieties autochthonous from ‘Valle del Jerte’, in the Southwest of Spain, during 1995 and 1996 seasons were investigated. ‘Pico Colorado’ had higher values of lightness, chroma, hue, firmness and Brix/acid ratio than     

Evaluation of peach and nectarine fruit quality and correlations between sensory and chemical attributes

Sensory attributes and chemical composition in peach and nectarine fruits of nine different cultivars were evaluated and compared. The cultivars investigated in the research were: ‘Maria Marta’, ‘Romestar’, ‘325 × A/8’, ‘224 × A/13’, ‘V × S/4’, ‘Bea’, ‘Maria Aurelia’, ‘Venus’ and ‘Spring Red’. In sensory evaluation the ‘Maria Aurelia’ was the highest rated, and the ‘224 × A/13’ was the lowest. The cultivars ‘325 × A/8’, ‘224 × A/13’, ‘V × S/4’ and ‘Spring Red’ were poor in sugars; however, the ‘Spring Red’ was rich in organic acids. Similarly, the ‘Maria Aurelia’ and ‘Venus’ fruits had higher contents of organic acids and were also rich in sugars. Furthermore, the relationships among sensory and chemical attributes of fruit quality were studied. The sensory evaluations of sweetness, taste, and aroma were well correlated with some chemically measured attributes of peach and nectarine quality: sweetness was influenced by citric acid, shikimic acid and sugars/organic acids ratio; aroma was correlated with total organic acids, sucrose, sorbitol and malic acid; taste was related to malic/citric acid ratio, total sugars, sucrose, sorbitol and malic acid. The results of the research indicate that sensory evaluation provides a good tool in the quick assessment of peach and nectarine fruit quality. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Assignation of Sweet Cherry Selections to 3 Taste Groupings Based on Perceived Sweetness and Sourness

ABSTRACT: Providing consumers with basic taste properties of sweet cherries at point of purchase would allow consumers to make purchase decisions based on fruit's intrinsic sensory attributes. The objective of this study was to develop a model to predict taste-grouping assignation of cherries into the following categories: (1) low sweetness/high sourness, (2) balance between sweetness and sourness, and (3) high sweetness/low sourness. A sensory panel (n = 10) was trained to recognize sweetness and sourness in 5 cultivars of sweet cherries and assign a taste grouping based on the perceived balance of sweetness and sourness. Four of these same cultivars were then evaluated for sweetness and sourness by a consumer panel (n = 117) and instrumentally for titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids concentration (SSC). Results showed that for 3 of the 4 cherry cultivars, the sweetness/sourness balance of the cherries was not significantly different as evaluated instrumentally or by the trained panel. However, the balance determined by the consumer and the trained panel was different for 3 of the 4 cherry cultivars (P < 0.05). Based on trained panel perceived sweetness and sourness, a multinomial logit model was developed to predict the assignation of cherry taste grouping. The likelihood of group assignment depended on both the perceived sweetness and sourness of the cherry, with taste groupings agreed upon for 3 of 5 sweet cherry cultivars. As previous studies have indicated a positive relationship between cherry sweetness and sourness to consumer acceptance, these groupings show promise for assisting consumers in cherry selection at the point of purchase. Practical Applications: The prediction models proposed in this study suggest that both sweetness and sourness are important in the cherry characterization and the ratio between the 2 attributes may be appropriate for making taste-grouping assignments. These groupings may then be used to provide additional sensory information to consumers to assist them in cherry selection at the point of purchase.     

Temperature sums experienced before harvest partially determine the post‐maturation juicing quality of oranges grown in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (MIA) of New South Wales

Fruit acid levels are important to maturity standards for both fresh fruit and juice acceptability for processing oranges. Citrus fruit maturity standards are based on sweetness (Brix), titratable acidity (% acid) and their ratio. Harvest of Navel oranges for fresh juice can extend for up to 3 months (August–October) and for as long as 7 months (November–June) for Valencia oranges after they first reach acceptable fresh market maturity. Juice processors encourage ‘late hanging’ of fruit on trees to secure a continuous supply of fresh juice. During this time, gradual changes occur in % acid, Brix and juice content. This study tested the hypothesis that a significant proportion of the variation in fruit quality late in the harvest season could be accounted for by environmental conditions during the period that the fruits were left on the trees. Fruit juice quality was assessed in terms of Brix and % acid at the time of harvest for 19 000 fruit deliveries during a 9 year period from 1988 to 1996. The relationship between quality (Brix and acid content) and temperature sums (effective heat units—EHUs) for the period the fruits were held on the trees was tested. A temperature sum (‘day degree’) model for predicting relative changes in acid and Brix content of late‐harvested fruit was developed for both Valencia and Navel oranges. The juice acid relationship with EHUs was stronger than the Brix relationship with EHUs. In addition, the seasonal ‘behaviour’ of % acid was more consistent than that of Brix in both Valencia and Navel oranges. A linear reduction in % acid with increasing EHUs was evident in both varieties. Estimates of fruit quality (Brix/acid ratio) at harvest time should be made using the equations describing changes in % acid with EHUs and the relationship between Brix and % acid to determine Brix. These equations have potential use in predicting the internal quality of citrus fruit during extended harvest periods. EHU‐based fruit quality estimates could determine harvest schedules that enable growers to achieve the optimum factory price for their fruit whilst maximising returns to processors through more efficient product utilisation. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quality of Florida-Packed Retail Grapefruit Juices as Determined by Consumer Sensory Panels and Chemical and Physical Analyses

Six samples of each of 5 types of Florida-processed grapefruit juice obtained from the U.S. retail market during 1983 were evaluated for overall flavor and other quality attributes by 108-member consumer sensory panels. Grapefruit juice consumers found overall flavor acceptable and color about right, aroma and sweetness lacking (P < 0.01) and tartness and bitterness excessive (P < 0.01). Juices were measured for content of furfural, naringin, limonin, Brix and acid with Brix:acid ratio being calculated. Most factors varied according to type of product. Many correlation coefficients, although mostly low, were found significant between factors (P < 0.05). Panelists perceived bitterness to a measurable extent as tartness or lack of sweetness and did not clearly differentiate between these two sensory attributes.     

Quality Attributes of Strawberry Cultivars Grown in British Columbia

Strawberries from six cultivars, ‘Mrak’, ‘Ranier’, ‘Redcrest’, ‘Selva’, ‘Sumas’ and ‘Totem’, were compared for sensory attributes, chemical properties and 25 selected volatile compounds.‘Redcrest’ strawberries had the most intense sourness, lowest pH, high titratable acidity and least overall fruit quality rating. Two-dimensional partitioning (TOP) revealed that overall quality ratings of the strawberries from all cultivars were dependent primarily on odor and sweetness. Cultivars differed in all orthogonal variates except odor. While judges could not detect odor differences, volatiles were greatest in ‘Mrak’ and ‘Selva’ and least in ‘Ranier’ and ‘Redcrest’. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) based on 25 selected volatile compounds was used to classify cultivars according to the region in which they were bred.     

Quality of Retail Florida-Packed Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice as Determined by Consumers and Physical and Chemical Analyses

Six commercial Florida-packed frozen concentrated orange juice samples drawn from the U.S. retail market on a monthly basis for 1 yr were evaluated for sensory attributes, color (by colorimeter), Brix, acid, and bottom pulp. Consumers rated flavor “like moderately” on a 9-point hedonic scale for every sample. The degree of sweetness and tartness of samples was “just right;” bitterness was somewhat excessive and color was somewhat too light (P < 0.05). Generally, as the °Brix to % acid ratio increased, the flavor improved, and the closer to “just right” was the degree of sweetness, tartness, and bitterness. A significant amount of bitterness was perceived as tartness or lack of sweetness (P < 0.01). Plant-to-plant variation was found in ratings of flavor and colorimeter color and °Brix to % acid ratios.     

POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF ‘BYRONGOLD’ AND ‘RUBYSWEET’ PLUMS1

Fruit from two new cultivars of plums, ‘Byrongold’ and ‘Rubysweet’ were harvested at three maturities. Maturity one and two were ripened for three and six days at 20C and 85% relative humidity to determine fruit quality characteristics during storage. Plums were separated into three maturity categories by delayed light emission. Fruit size, weight, hue angle, flesh firmness, soluble solids and concentration of sugars, organic acids and sensory attributes were determined to evaluate stroage quality of the fruit. Significant differences were found between cultivars for sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol. Sugar concentrations varied within the same cultivar by maturity and storage times. In general, acid levels decreased as plums ripened. Panelists preferred “Byrongold” ripened for three days for tartness and juiciness and “Byrongold” ripened for six days for sweetness. “Rubysweet” ripened for three days was preferred for sweetness, tartness and juiciness. Significant differences were found in peel bitterness between cultivars and days ripened. Unripened maturity 2 ‘Byrongold’ and unripenedd maturity 3 ‘Rubysweet’ had the highest peel bitterness. Hedonic scores showed ‘Rubysweet’.     

Compositional variations and sensory acceptability of apple juice drink

Apple juice drinks containing 60% of Granny Smith or Jonathan juice, 8–14% soluble solids and Brix: acids ratios of 15:1 to 30:1 were assessed by a panel of twenty-five tasters. Sweetness and sourness increased with increasing levels of soluble solids and acidity respectively. Sourness showed little change with soluble solids at constant Brix: acid ratio but sweetness changed significantly. Intensity of flavour increased with soluble solids but the changes differed in the two types of drinks. Drinks having different soluble solids or Brix:acid ratios sometimes had similar flavour acceptabilities. Sweetness or lack of sourness, and intensity of flavour appeared to account for much of the flavour acceptability of the drinks. Equations for predicting flavour acceptance, based on Brix and Brix:acid ratios, were also developed.     

OPTIMUM QUALITY PARAMETERS OF MUSCADINE GRAPE JUICES, BEVERAGES, AND BLENDS

Cold- and hot-pressed juices from black and bronze muscadine grapes were tested to determine optimum Brix/acid ratios, optimum juice level in beverages, and optimum blend ratios with other fruit juices. The optimum Brix/acid ratio, regardless of cultivar or process, was approxi-mately 30 with. an acceptable range from 25. to 35. Increased sweetness due to sugar addition was perceptible, even when balanced with addition of acid. Optimum dilution was dependent upon cultivar and process. Red hot-pressed juice was most acceptable at a 25% juice level, when Brix/acid was adjusted to 30. Optimum blends with fruit juices varied with muscadine juice color and process. Best blends were muscadine juices and commercial grape juices, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Muscadine grape-grapefruit juice blends had poor acceptability.     

°BRIX/ACID RATIO AS A PREDICTOR OF CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF CRIMSON SEEDLESS TABLE GRAPES

ABSTRACT

Harvesting at correct time is essential for the supply of quality grapes. There is no standard method to determine the proper time of harvesting for table grapes. The applicability of objective measurements such as soluble solids concentration (°Brix), acid contents (titratable acidity) and °Brix/acid ratio of Crimson Seedless table grapes were evaluated as predictors of quality in terms of consumer acceptability. Crimson Seedless table grapes were harvested from two locations in Western Australia at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. The samples were density sorted to get berries of different maturity levels. Objective measurements and sensory evaluation (panel of 63 judges) were conducted. There were significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in the degree of liking among grapes of 16.0–17.0, 17.1–18.0 and 19.1–20.0°Brix. Consumer liking of grapes substantially changed with a change in acidity. The data revealed correlation coefficients of determination (r²) of 0.58, 0.79 and 0.85 between overall consumer acceptability and °Brix, acidity, and °Brix/acid ratio, respectively. °Brix/acid ratio was found to be the best objective measurement that reflected the consumer acceptability and can be used as a reliable tool to determine the optimum harvesting stage of Crimson Seedless table grapes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Crimson Seedless table grapes have been successfully grown in Australia since 1994, and they are gaining popularity with consumers day by day. However, means of determining proper time to harvest has not yet been established. This study, by examining the relationship between instrumental measurements and human perception of sensory characteristics of Crimson Seedless table grapes, will provide a simple but reliable instrumental method to predict the optimum harvest stage of Crimson Seedless table grapes. This will help in providing a quality product to the consumers while helping growers to get better return out of their produce.     

Chemical composition,nutritional value and antioxidant properties of autochthonous Prunus avium cultivars from Campania Region

During a screening program aimed at the evaluation of antioxidative and antiproliferative properties, as well as nutritional properties of local edible plants, two endemic sweet cherry cultivars (‘Del Monte’ and ‘Della Recca’) were of interest. Macronutrient components (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) of both the cherry cultivars were determined as well as free and total amino acids. Pomological traits were defined. HPLC–ESI/MSⁿ analysis, carried out on phenolic extracts properly prepared by extractive techniques from freeze dried fruits of both the cherry cultivars, showed that investigated cultivars differed in their colorless phenolic composition. Hydroxycinnamoyl quinic acid derivatives were present in both the cherry cultivars. ‘Della Recca’ cv. was particularly rich in 4-O-coumaroyl quinic and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, whereas quercetin-3-O-rutinoside was the main phenol compound of ‘Del Monte’ cultivar.The antiradical properties of the extracts were investigated by DPPH and ABTS methods. ‘Della Recca’ cv. cherries exhibited a pronounced antiradical activity: at 62.5 μg/mL dose level ABTS radical cation was converted in its reduced form by 88.7% and DPPH radical was reduced by 75.3%. The antiproliferative efficacy of ‘Della Recca’ and ‘Del Monte’ extracts were evaluated towards five cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, HeLa, SK-B-NE(2)-C, and SH-SY5Y) through MTT assay. ‘Della Recca’ phenol extract showed a dose-dependent inhibiting activity towards cervical cancer HeLa cell line.     

EFFECTS OF THE RATE OF HEATING ON APPLE AND PEAR FRUIT QUALITY

There is evidence that the rate of heating to meet quarantine security impacts fruit quality as well as insect mortality. Linear heating rates, of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12C/h to treatment temperatures of 44 and 46C were used to treat 8 cultivars of apples (‘Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Gala’, ‘Jonagold’, ‘Braeburn’, and ‘Cameo’) and two cultivars of winter pear (‘d'Anjou’ and ‘Bosc’). Fruit were stored, ripened, and tested for various quality parameters. Scald was controlled, firmness was higher in heat treated fruit, ripening was delayed but uniform in pears, decay organisms were suppressed, red fruit became redder and green fruit remained green, the Brix‐acid ratio (SS/TA) was either unchanged (‘Granny Smith’) or increased. Physiological disorders such as bitter pit were exacerbated by the heat treatment, requiring culling after treatment to avoid storage of fruit so affected.     

高寒荒漠区延后栽培葡萄品质分析

为评价鲜食葡萄在高寒荒漠区延后栽培条件下的品质表现,以适应性较好的8个品种为研究对象,测定葡萄感官品质、内在品质、功效成分和糖酸品质,采用主成分分析法对果实品质进行综合分析和评价。结果表明,‘红地球’和‘紫地球’单果质量10 g以上,果粒大,能够保持原有的大果特征;无核品种较有核品种果粒小;8个品种果实果形指数均> 1,呈长椭圆形,除绿色品种外,果实着色较深;果皮颜色越深的品种,果皮花青素、类黄酮、总酚含量越高。2个无核品种(‘红宝石无核’和‘紫甜无核’)和‘红地球’可溶性固形物含量较高,在21%以上;糖酸组分及含量方面,果实中的糖分主要是果糖和葡萄糖,蔗糖未检出;酒石酸和苹果酸是主要有机酸,柠檬酸和草酸含量极微。酸甜风味方面,‘红宝石无核’口感最甜,其次为‘红地球’,‘瑞都香玉’和‘紫地球’口感较淡,‘摩尔多瓦’口感偏酸。通过主成分分析法提取了5个独立的主成分,累计贡献率87. 396%,以主成分为评价指标,对浆果品质进行综合评价,‘红宝石无核’、‘红地球’和‘玫瑰香’果实综合品质最好。     

Relationship of acid phosphatase activity and Brix/acid ratio in cherries

This research was undertaken to determine the relationship of acid phosphatase and Brix/acid ratio in cherries. High-acid cultivars of cherries (Karneol, Northstar, Kroeker, Danube, Montmorency, Oblinska, and Topas) exhibited low Brix/acid ratios while low-acid cultivars of cherries (Balatron, Sweetheart, Hedelfingen, and Hudson) had high Brix/acid ratios. The values of correlation coefficient (r²) for acid phosphatase and Brix/acid ratio in different cultivars grown in 2003 and 2004 were 0.88 and 0.84, respectively. An inverse relationship appeared to exist between the acid phosphatase activity and the acidity in cherries, and the r² values for 2003 and 2004 crops were 0.97 and 0.81, respectively. The plot of acid phosphatase vs. Brix in cherries showed a positive slope, and the r² values for 2003 and 2004 crops were 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. The results of this study indicate that acid phosphatase could serve as a marker for breeding new fruit cultivars with a desirable Brix/acid ratio.     

Variability in the content of soluble sugars and cell wall polysaccharides in red‐ripe cherry and high‐pigment tomato cultivars

BACKGROUND: Soluble sugars and cell wall polysaccharides are well known for contributing to a range of ‘quality’ characteristics of fresh vegetables such as flavour, texture and healthy properties. Red‐ripe berries of 14 cultivars of cherry tomatoes and four cultivars of high‐pigment tomato hybrids, cultivated in the south of Italy, were analysed for their content of these important qualitative parameters. RESULTS: Sakura appeared to be the cultivar with the highest amount of soluble sugars (53 g kg^?1 fresh weight (f.w.)), mainly glucose and fructose, and, hence the ‘sweetest’ among cherry tomatoes. High‐pigment tomatoes, especially HLY02 and HLY13, showed a soluble sugar content much lower than cherry tomatoes, as expected for industrial, normal‐size tomatoes. Variations in the fructose/glucose ratio, of between 0.68 and 1.48, were evidenced among the different tomato cultivars. Cell wall polysaccharides isolated from whole fresh red‐ripe berries of each cultivar were analysed chemically. The amount of matrix polysaccharides (0.9–3.4 g kg^?1 f.w.) and cellulose (0.16–1.86 g kg^?1 f.w.), as well as their glycosidic composition, showed significant differences among the different cultivars. Cellulose to matrix polysaccharide ratio was highly variable and ranged between 0.06–1.44 and 0.17–0.77 in cherry and high‐pigment tomato cultivars, respectively. CONCLUSION: The differences evidenced in the total soluble sugar and cell wall polysaccharide composition, not only among different types of tomatoes but also different cultivars within the same typology, may play a fundamental role in the quality of tomatoes and deserve further investigations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Long‐term change in consumer acceptance for salt‐reduced ‘udon noodle soup’ over repeated intake at home

The objective of this study was to compare consumer acceptability of sweet (SW) and salty (SA) udon noodle soups over repeated intakes. SW was reformulated by reducing the salt by 15.0% in comparison with SA to offer a less salty udon noodle soup. Although there were different intensities in some attributes, it was verified that SW and SA had similar consumer acceptabilities. The overall acceptance, degree of boredom and degree of appetite to retaste were stable over the ten sessions, showing no statistically significant difference. The increase of sweetness in udon noodle soup did not generate a gradual decrease of consumer acceptance. On the other hand, consumer perception of the intensities of sweetness and saltiness for SW and SA gradually decreased as the tasting went on. Reformulation by increasing sweetness and decreasing saltiness for udon noodle soup will not influence negatively for long‐term consumer acceptability and can apply to the commercial formula for ‘salt‐reduced udon noodle soup’.     

Development and evaluation of multiple regression models for prediction of sweet cherry liking

In two experiments, multiple regression models were developed and evaluated to identify the relevant sensory attributes for cherry liking. In Experiment 1, 16 judges evaluated 18 cherry varieties for seven visual characteristics (colour intensity, uniformity-of-colour, speckles, size, stem length, external firmness and ‘visual’ liking) and seven flavour/texture characteristics (flesh firmness, flesh colour intensity, juiciness, sweetness, sourness, flavour intensity and ‘flavour/ texture’ liking). Stepwise multiple regression was used to develop the most appropriate statistical models for prediction of visual and flavour/texture liking based on visual and flavour/texture characteristics, respectively. Both models were simple and easily understandable with two sensory variables. The best model for visual liking required only size and uniformity-of-colour variables; whereas, the best model for flavour/texture liking required sweetness and flavour intensity variables. In Experiment 2, 18 judges evaluated 30 sweet cherry cultivars, using the same methodology, to create a validation data set. Correlation coefficients (R) and prediction standard errors (PSEs) between the observed (Experiment 2) and predicted (Experiment 1) liking scores were used to evaluate the prediction equations. The prediction equation for flavour/texture liking was most satisfactory (R = 0.85, PSE = 0.61). A new equation developed from the validation data confirmed the importance of sweetness and flavour intensity. In contrast, the prediction equation for visual liking was less satisfactory (R = 0.56) and a new equation developed from the validation data set confirmed only size as an important variable.     

Sensory, chemical and gas chromatographic evaluation of five raspberry cultivars

Five raspberry cultivars, ‘Chilcotin’, ‘Chilliwack’, ‘Meeker’, ‘Skeena’ and ‘Tulameen’, were evaluated for sensory attributes, and chemical and flavor volatile compounds. ‘Chilliwack’ and ‘Tulameen’ received high ratings in sweetness and overall impression with high soluble solids, total sugars and sugar:acid ratio. ‘Chilcotin’ rated low in overall impression and sweetness, and high in sourness and astringency, with low soluble solids, sugar:acid ratio and total sugars, and high titratable acidity. Principal factor analysis (PFA) of the sensory results separated the cultivars based on desirable (appearance, color, texture, aroma and sweetness) and less desirable (sourness, bitterness, astringency and off-flavor) attributes. Twenty-eight volatile compounds were analyzed by dynamic headspace and 18 identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), most of which were terpenes which included -pinene, sabinene, γ-terpinene, - and β-ionone and caryophyllene. Volatile compounds varied among cultivars, with benzaldehyde (11·1–31·8%), -pinene (4·0–11·5%), ethyl heptanoate (6·9–15·2%), β-myrcene (13·2–19·6%) and γ-terpinene (12·2–20·0%) as the predominant volatiles. Correlation analysis established no relationships between sensory and chemical data with volatile compounds.