NIR spectroscopy for the optimization of postharvest apple management

Apples can be stored for long time under controlled temperature and atmosphere conditions, and therefore, non-destructive and rapid tools are required to assess fruit quality and to monitor changes during the postharvest period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of NIR spectroscopy to optimize postharvest apple management and to follow changes in fruit quality during storage. An FT-NIR system operating in diffuse reflectance in the range 12,500-3600cm-1 was used to evaluate the physico-chemical (dry matter, soluble solids, colour and firmness) and some nutraceutical characteristics (total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity) of 'Golden Delicious' apples, which were stored for about six months at 1°C in controlled atmosphere, over two subsequent years. Spectral data were elaborated by PLS regression and LDA classification techniques. Good correlation models between spectral data and chemical and physical parameters were obtained for soluble solids, a* colour coordinate and firmness (0.81