Traditional, Indigenous Apple Varieties, a Fruit with Potential for Beneficial Effects: Their Quality Traits and Bioactive Polyphenol Contents

Abstract

Earlier studies suggested that traditional apple varieties have quality traits well accepted by consumers and beneficial effects on human health. The aim was to collect 25 traditional apple varieties grown in Croatia and to determine, for the first time in so many details, their external (weight, height, width, shape, color), internal quality traits (firmness, starch decomposition index, maturity index, soluble solid concentration, total acids, soluble solid/total acids ratio, pH), and seed characteristics. In addition, individual polyphenols were determined in the flesh and peel, by using RP-HPLC. All was compared to the commercial variety ‘Idared’. Quality parameters of these varieties were similar to those of the commercial variety. The flesh and peel contained flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones, phenolic acids, and flavonols, while anthocyanins were additionally found in the peel. Total polyphenols in the peel (536–3801 mg kg−1 fresh weight (FW)) and in the flesh (79–1294 mg kg−1 FW) of the majority of varieties were higher than in the commercial variety. Principal component analysis showed possible clustering according to polyphenol amounts. According to the observed diversity of quality traits and bioactive polyphenol contents, the traditional varieties have potential for consumer acceptance and increased cultivation.

Evaluation of the phenolic profile and immunoreactivity of Mal d 3 allergen in ancient apple cultivars from Italy

“…Apples are generally reported as a fruit able to provide large amounts of phenolic compounds that provide health benefits 38 . Several researchers have previously looked at comparing the phenolic content, composition, and related antioxidant activity of commercial apples with ancient cultivars, 13,16,39–41 as this can represent a positive aspect to be exploited for the commercialization of apples for fresh consumption or after processing (e.g. juices).…”

Comparative Study of Drought Stress Effects on Traditional and Modern Apple Cultivars

“…Higher photosynthetic efficiency, higher content of chlorophyll and greater membrane stability indicate that traditional cultivar “Crvenka” has the highest drought tolerance, while in contrast, the commercial cultivar “Golden Delicious Reinders” was the most sensitive in the investigated condition. Good quality traits of “Crvenka” [ 72 ] and good drought tolerance make this cultivar a promising candidate for cultivation under drought conditions in this area. These cultivars can be recommended for the revitalization of the production assortment in the study area and contribute to fruit growing development.…”

Polyphenols of Traditional Apple Varieties in Interaction with Barley β-Glucan: A Study of the Adsorption Process

“…A Poroshell 120 EC C-18 column (4.6 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) and a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 4.6 mm guard-column (Agilent technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were used for the polyphenol separation. The method was validated earlier in our laboratory [ 32 ]. The mobile phases were 0.1% H 3 PO 4 (as mobile phase A) and 100% methanol (as mobile phase B).…”