FRUIT-QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCE PRICES RECEIVED FOR PROCESSING APPLES

This study quantifies the discounts and premiums associated with vario us quality factors for processing apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Dis counts and premiums were estimated using a hedonic price model and qua lity data from a total of 137 samples representing three processing ap ple cultivars (45 'York Imperial', 43 'Rome Beauty', and 49 'Golden De licious'). Price discounts in the sample were statistically significan t for fruit size, bruising, bitter pit, decay, misshapen apples, and i nternal breakdown. Commonly cited defects, such as insect damage and a pple scab, did not cause significant price discounts.