Comparative study of improved vs. traditional apple cultivars and their aptitude to be minimally processed as 'ready to eat' apple wedges

- Improved and traditional apple cultivars were characterised.
- Their aptitude for fresh-cut processing was studied.
- Most improved cultivars presented high acceptability and nutritional potential.
- 40 g/L NatureSeal® treatment showed the best antioxidant and sensory results.
- After processing and storage, the most accepted cultivar was 'Fuji Kiku 8'.

The development of fresh-cut apple products requires the reconsideration of cultivar selection because different characteristics are required compared with those characteristics for the fresh market. The aim of this work was to evaluate four improved cultivars ('Modì', 'Ariane', 'Fuji Kiku 8' and 'Pink Lady') and to compare these cultivars with traditional cultivars ('Golden Smoothee' and 'Granny Smith'). Cultivars were evaluated according to physicochemical parameters and nutritional, enzymatic, and sensory aspects. Next, the cultivars were peeled, cut, treated with different antioxidant treatments, packaged in polypropylene trays and stored at 4 °C. After seven days of storage, physicochemical parameters and visual assessment were determined. As whole apples, the improved cultivars were notable for their sensory characteristics. Moreover, two of them ('Modì' and 'Ariane') presented the highest amount of total phenols and vitamin C, respectively. After processing and storage, certain of the improved cultivars presented better aptitude for minimal processing. For instance, 'Modì' showed high suitability, and 'Fuji Kiku 8' was notable for its sensory quality after seven days of refrigerated storage. Among antioxidant treatments that were assayed, 40 g/L NatureSeal® demonstrated the best results in terms of physicochemical parameters, visual assessment and sensory quality.