Analysis of chemical parameters determining the fruit quality of apricot cultivars during ripening
A HPLC instrument was used to analyse various acid (citric, malic, succinic acid) and sugar (sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol) components in the fruit of three cultivars grown in Hungary (Gonci magyar kajszi, Mandulakajszi and Harcot), while the β-carotene content was analysed spectrophotometrically. Changes in the chemical content of apricot varieties have not previously been monitored in the course of ripening. The quality of various food products is greatly influenced by the chemical components of the raw materials.The cultivar Gonci magyar kajszi had exceptionally high β-carotene (3.79 mg/100 g in 90% maturity) and sugar content (sucrose: 11253.9 mg/100 g, fructose: 315.2 mg/100 g and glucose: 1434.8 mg/100 g). Mandulakajszi was the most acidic (citric acid: 1597.2 mg/100 g). The malic acid content was similar for all three varieties during ripening. In case of Harcot, the β-carotene content was high in 2008 (3.58 mg/100 g in 90% maturity), however in 2010 it was lower due to environmental influences (2.38 mg/100 g). The pH value was similar for all examined varieties in all ripening stages (3.16–3.50), the TSS/TA value was highest in the 100% mature fruit (18.41) of Gonci magyar kajszi.