JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE, cilt.55, sa.7, ss.2671-2678, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
The effect of maturity level on fruit quality properties, volatile composition and sensory attributes was investigated in two important apricot varieties (HacA +/- haliloglu and KabaaAYA +/-). The soluble solid content was used as the maturity index for the classification of apricots according to their maturity levels as immature (14-20 A degrees Brix), mature (20-24 A degrees Brix) and over-mature (> 24A degrees Brix). Changes in the volatile composition of samples at different maturity levels were characterized using headspace solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the quality attributes of the KabaaAYA +/- were affected to a lesser extent by the maturity level than HacA +/- haliloglu. From the immature to over-mature, fruit weight, dry matter and pH increased while firmness and titratable acidity decreased (p < 0.05) in both varieties. Volatile composition was affected by both apricot variety and maturation levels. The main volatiles were aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, terpenes and hydrocarbons. Compared to KabaaAYA +/-, the concentrations of the volatile compounds were higher in HacA +/- haliloglu regardless of the maturity levels. Among the samples, HacA +/- haliloglu at over-mature level received the highest "overall liking" score. The principal component analysis made on the measured quality attributes allowed the discrimination of apricot varieties and their maturity levels.