SENSORIAL ANALYSIS OF APPLES BEFORE AND AFTER STORAGE IN CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE CONDITIONS

Apples are the most consumed climacteric fruits in the cold season, due their biochemical contribution to the health of the human body. In this study. the main purpose is to compare the organoleptic attributes, provided through trained evaluators, like: exterior appearance and color. smell. taste and texture (crispness) for four apples cultivars (Topaz, Redix. Florina and Rubinola) stored for 350 days, in three different controlled atmosphere conditions with the following parameters: T: 1 degrees C, RH: 95%, O-2: 3%, CO2: 0%, 2% and 5%, in two different years. Taste is the most important sensorial indicator and is high correlated with the total soluble solids/acidity ratio of the apples. The quality indicators variations present specific behavior when apples are stored in different concentrations of carbon dioxide. Evaluators noted lower, the exterior appearance, for Topaz (in first year), Florina and Rubinola (in both years) apples stored without CO2 compared to those stored in both CO2 concentrations. Moreover, apples stored in both CO2 concentrations. shown healthier appearance. without being affected by the specific storage diseases.