| Abstract: | Durational effects of controlled atmosphere storage (CA) and frozen storage on apple quality were studied for commercially processed pies made from Northern Spy, Idared and Nova Spy apples. Sensory tests on apple pie quality indicated that the duration of apples in CA significantly affected the quality of the processed apple. Extending the CA duration of the apples to 45 weeks resulted in a pie filling with reduced apple flavor, tartness and astringency, and with increased sweetness and off‐flavor. To minimize flavor/taste changes throughout the processing season, close attention must be given to the product's sugar/acid formulation: by week 27 for Idared apples and by week 33 for Northern Spy and Novaspy apples. The texture and appearance of processed Novaspy and Idared fruits were affected earlier in CA than Northern Spy apples. The frozen product was relatively stable for all three varieties, especially for apples processed early in the storage season (15–27 weeks). A strategy that utilizes short‐ to medium‐term CA with longer‐term frozen storage would optimize quality across the season. |
