Physicochemical characterization of seven apple varieties (Malus domestica Borkh) established in high tropics
Contextualization: The recovery of traditional apple varieties is a very important action in the field of plant genetic resources conservation, at the local level.
Knowledge gap: However, traditional varieties have specific and uncommon properties that can make them interesting compared to commercial varieties, but there has been little research describing their quality characteristics.
Purpose: The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of seven apple varieties cultivated in the municipality of Tibaná, Boyacá.
Methodology: The methodology employed involved the determination of several key characteristics of the fruit, including weight (in grams), skin color, fruit firmness (as measured in Newtons), total soluble solids (in degrees Brix), pH, total titratable acidity (in milliequivalents per liter), maturity ratio, and agroindustrial potential.
Results and conclusions: The results indicate that "Winter Banana" had the highest soluble solids content and the lowest fruit hardness. "Dorset Golden" had the highest pH value and maturity ratio. "Anna" had the highest acidity and "Pennsylvania" had the largest size. Dorset Golden" and "Winter Banana" were found to be the varieties with the best physicochemical characteristics for industrialization processes.