Apple

Apple is one of the most popular fruits, ranking first worldwide in terms of cultivated area and productivity within the temperate fruit crops. Apart from its acceptable qualitative and sensorial attributes, apples constitute a rich source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. The consumption of fresh apples has been correlated with protective effect for human health; therefore apple fruits characterized with high nutritional and bioactive content are gaining a significant place in the market. Their designation and protection is of prime importance as they assure safe and stable high quality antagonistic products. However, to the best of our knowledge few or no information exist regarding the properties of two traditional Cypriot cultivars (‘Kathista’, ‘Lortiko’); therefore the evaluation of these cultivars and well known cultivars grown in Cyprus is an extremely interesting task. The general objectives of the present study concern the evaluation of quality attributes, phytochemical profile, antioxidant potency and overall postharvest performance of traditional apple cultivars grown in the region of Kyperounda (Cyprus). Apple fruit from a global cultivar as Gala were harvested for  comparative purposes.

The ultimate goal of this project is the building of a database for qualitative attributes, nutritional value and antioxidant potential of Cypriot apples. A further perspective is to exploit the potential of registering native apple cultivars as products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); such initiative will strengthen the competitiveness of local producers both in the local and the international markets.

Findings of the project have beem presented in the form of scientific paper, while dissemination activities included oral presentations in Scientific Conferences, as well as the organization of a well-attended Seminar. Results generated from this project are expected to fill gaps in literature concerning Cypriot apple cultivation and dynamics. The overall profile and attributes of apple cultivars, the selection of optimum storage condition in order to keep fruit commercially available for an extended period, as well as fingerprinting of the autochthonous cultivars will be the new knowledge in the field.