Physico-chemical and mineral characterization of eight apple varieties: Identifying unique attributes and health benefits

Authors

  • Maryam Sarfraz Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Naseem Akhtar Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Arfan-ul-Haq Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Zaighum Mushtaq Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Waqar Ahmad Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Abubakar Siddique Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Hasan Abdullah University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Sumreen Siddiq Biochemistry Section, Post Harvest Research Centre (PHRC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Antioxidants, Apple, Biochemical properties, Phenols, Physical attributes

Abstract

A comprehensive quality analysis was conducted on eight distinct apple varieties Kala Kula, Sparton, Winter Banana, Royal Gala, Mondial Gala, Kashmiri Ambri, Sky Spur and Golden Delicious to evaluate their proximate composition, physical attributes, biochemical properties and mineral content. The study revealed significant (p<0.05) varietal differences across all measured parameters. Proximate analysis established that all varieties had high moisture content, ranging from 67.13% in Winter Banana to 80.66% in Kala Kula. Physical and chemical quality assessments showed a wide range in verities. Firmness was highest in Winter Banana (8.04 kgf) and Golden Delicious (7.60 kgf). Titratable acidity was inversely related to pH with Golden Delicious having the highest acidity (1.03%) and Kala Kula the lowest (0.52%). Total soluble Solids (TSS) an indicator of sweetness were highest in Kala Kalu (12.1%) and Kashmiri Ambri (11.6%). Biochemically, Kala Kalu and Kashmiri Ambri were statistically superior in total sugars content (10.29% and 10.20% respectively). However ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content was highest in Sky Spur (15.36 mg/100 ml) while Kala Kalu had lowest (3.37 mg/100 ml). Antioxidant capacity was greatest in Kala Kalu (83.8%) which also along with Golden Delicious recorded the highest total phenolic content (1258 and 1250 µmol GAE/100 g) indicating strong potential health benefits. Mineral analysis confirmed that apples are a valuable dietary source of essential elements. Kala Kalu also showed high level of Magnesium (26.2 mg/100 g) and Calcium (31.6 mg/100g). In conclusion the study demonstrates substantial diversity among the apple varieties. Kala Kalu stands out for sweetness, high antioxidant activity and phenolic, while Golder delicious excels in minerals and firmness. These findings provide critical data for consumers seeking specific nutritional benefits and for the food industry in selecting appropriate varieties for processing and fresh market sales based on desired quality traits.

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Published

2026-07-13

How to Cite

Sarfraz, M., Akhtar, N., Arfan-ul-Haq, M., Mushtaq, M. Z., Ahmad, W., Siddique, M. A., Abdullah, M. H., & Siddiq, S. (2026). Physico-chemical and mineral characterization of eight apple varieties: Identifying unique attributes and health benefits. Journal of Pure and Applied Agriculture, 11(1). Retrieved from https://ojs.aiou.edu.pk/index.php/jpaa/article/view/3635

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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Pure and Applied Agriculture

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Articles

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