1-Methylcyclopropene Improves Postharvest Performances and Sensorial Attributes of Annurca-Type Apples Exposed to the Traditional Reddening in Open-Field Melaio

The Annurca type is an historical Italian apple fruit probably native to the Campania region. These fruits are harvested before a full maturity stage and go through open-field reddening process. Products based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) widely used in postharvest improve quality avoid disorders controlled atmosphere. In this work, we tested impact of 1-MCP traditional system by analyzing three strategies, namely, exposed for ten days then cold-stored (RDG treatment); treated with (MCP 1-MCP, + RDG treatment). Using factorial design, measured main physical compositional traits described properties products consumer testing at two storage times. MCP treatment provided most valuable results, positively affecting flesh firmness several sensorial attributes (e.g., hardness, crunchiness, juiciness, sweetness), including reduction mealiness. At end cold-storage, apples scored higher consumer’s overall liking. work demonstrated that technology can be integrated into process and, potentially, extend shelf life apples.