Impact of cultivation practices and storage conditions on polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in 'WA 38', 'Granny Smith', and 'Cripps Pink' apples.

In this study, we investigated the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of three apple cultivars ('WA 38', 'Granny Smith', and 'Cripps Pink') and assessed the impact of the production system (organic and conventional) and long-term commercial storage (refrigerated air and controlled atmosphere) on their content. Across all cultivars, apple peels consistently exhibited higher levels of total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity compared to the flesh. TPC was influenced by the apple cultivar, production system, and storage conditions, with cultivar being the most influential variable. 'Granny Smith' apple flesh and peels maintained stable TPC levels during storage, while 'WA 38' and 'Cripps Pink' apple peels declined. Additionally, conventionally grown apples generally maintained higher phytochemical contents during storage when compared to their organic counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of cultivation practices and storage conditions on apple polyphenols, offering potential strategies to enhance the nutritional quality of apples. [Display omitted] • 'Granny Smith' apples retained total polyphenol contents during storage. • Polyphenol contents declined in 'WA 38' and 'Cripps Pink' apples during storage. • Conventional apples exhibit superior phytochemical preservation over organic ones. • Cultivar is the most influential variable on biochemical and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]