Storage and shelf-life of apples grown in Norway I. Effects of controlled atmosphere storage on 'aroma'.

In a three year study on storage, apples of the cultivar 'Aroma' grown in t he south-eastern part of Norway were kept in controlled atmosphere at 1.5%- 2.5% O-2 + 1.5%-2.5% CO2 or normal air at 2 degrees C (+/-1 degrees C) unti l March. Rt: specific times during December, January, and March samples wer e removed from storage and apples were kept one week at room temperature, s imulating shelf-life. Physical and chemical tests as well as sensory evalua tion were conducted at the time of harvest, upon removal of fruit lots from storage, and after shelf-lift: trials. The data, treated by means of princ ipal component analysis (PCA), showed three principal components (PC), acco unting for 86% of the total variation. PC1 explained 55% of the total varia tion caused by storage time and storage method, PC2 explained 17% of the to tal variation caused by years, while a third component explained another 14 % of the total variation as due to weight loss, soluble solids, and taste. In general, it was found that apples could be stored for a longer period of time and still maintain good quality when controlled atmosphere nas used. The results showed a positive effect of reduced oxygen both immediately aft er storage and after shelf-life trials. Firmer fruit with better skin colou r, higher soluble solids content as well as lower pH were some of the impor tant advantages of controlled atmosphere storage compared to normal air sto rage.