Fruit quality performance of organic apricots at harvest and after storage from different environmental conditions

Given that limited information is available about fruit quality of organic apricots, the aim of this research was to determine the pomological and nutraceutical properties of organic apricot fruit under different environments. ‘San Castrese’ fruit were collected from organic orchards located in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscan regions. At harvest, and after 7 and 14 days of cold storage (+4°C), the pomological and chemical traits were determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TEAC method) and phenols content (Folin-Ciocalteu method) were analyzed. Organic fruit had stable pomological traits and antioxidant properties greater than fruit produced by conventional practices. The results obtained from different environments showed a possible relationship between particular climatic conditions and levels of antioxidants. After cold storage organic fruit of ‘San Castrese’ maintained their antioxidant properties.