Importance of metabolite distribution in apple fruit

- The content of metabolites varies along the equatorial plane of apple fruit flesh.
- The flesh in vascular region of apple fruit contains higher phenolic content.
- It is important how we take the samples of apple fruit flesh.

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are one of the most studied fruits, however when we look closely we have inadequate information on how the metabolites are distributed inside the fruit. We performed a study of twelve different sampling positions in apple, six on each side of the fruit (sunlit and shaded). We sampled two cultivars: 'Jonagold' and 'Granny Smith'. Samples along the equatorial plane of the fruit varied more than those along the height of the fruit. What grabbed our attention was the flesh sample in the vascular region with higher content of phenolic compounds, especially dihydrochalcones in comparison to other flesh sampling positions. Also the distribution of sugars and organic acids varied between positions. The results can help with more accurate sampling of apple fruits and are the basis for better understanding of metabolite distribution in apple fruit.

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