Factors affecting firmness loss in apples during postharvest handling and cold/controlled atmosphere storage in India: A review

Abstract: Apples attract humans with their dominant appeal and eating quality. The most dominant properties are color and texture. This review paper discusses the scientifically published results of apple texture through understanding internal properties like structural, physiological, physical, mechanical, water and cell wall contributions and post-harvest handling and storage methods. A critical appraisal is made of factors responsible for inner texture and sustenance during post-harvest and storage periods. The status of research data available is discussed from a firmness point of view of Indian apple varieties vis-à-vis those grown in other countries. Most of the research work on Indian apples reported physico-chemical parameters like weight, diameter, firmness, bio-chemical and nutrient components. The latest literature did not find data for the long term behaviour in CAS (6 to 10 months). The research data on factors responsible for texture loss is also very limited for Indian-origin apples. There are still large gaps in research on firmness loss in apple. Hence, suggestions are made on the scope for future research on apples grown in India for the benefit of farmers, traders, and consumers.