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Among horticultural products, apples have a high per capita consumption in households, which gives this product special importance and sensitivity regarding health and quality aspects. Therefore, monitoring the quality and nutritional value of the products available at sales centers can significantly influence future policies related to orchard management and post-harvest handling of apples, with the aim of improving the quality and nutritional value of the consumed product. In this study, 40 samples of apples of the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Golab varieties were collected from the Central Bazaar of Karaj over a period of two years, both fresh and stored. The tests included qualitative analysis of the fruits based on their appearance, such as uniformity, size, weight, volume, color, firmness, taste, and aroma, as well as the absence of physical injuries, sunburn damage and rust, cold injury, pests, and diseases. To evaluate the quality and nutritional value of the fruits, other factors were also assessed, including total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total carbohydrates, flavor index, vitamin C, polyphenol oxidase activity, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, and mean comparisons among treatments were calculated using Duncan’s test. The results indicated that traits like size, volume, weight, color, and tissue firmness were mainly affected by the variety type, while the freshness, storage state, and interaction effects had no significant influence on these traits. Most samples exhibited good uniformity, and the presence of physical injuries, sunburn, and rust was limited and acceptable. The occurrence of physical injuries was influenced by the variety, but cold injury and pest or disease symptoms were affected by the storage state. Among the physiological traits studied, TSS, pH, vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and the TSS/TA ratio were significantly affected by the variety, and traits like carotenoids, anthocyanins, and TSS/TA ratio were also influenced by the storage condition. Only the flavor index was affected by the interaction between variety and storage state. Panel test results showed that traits such as skin thickness, flesh crispness, and acidity/sweetness levels were influenced by the variety. Additionally, skin thickness was affected by the interaction of variety and storage condition. Overall, the two-year evaluation of market samples indicated that the main commercial apple varieties in the country, which constitute a major part of household fruit consumption, are in good condition in terms of quality and appearance health.
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