Evaluation of morphological, chemical, and sensory characteristics of raspberry cultivars grown in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Due to the growth in production of raspberry (Rubus sp.) in the Una-Sana Canton, there is a considerable need to researchthe fruit quality, as well as to guide the production in order to satisfy the requirements of the market. Raspberry fruit is very interestingfor consumers because of its pleasant aroma and color, low calories, and high nutrient value, with health benefits that manifest in thehigh amount of antioxidants. In this paper, we have examined the morphological, chemical, and sensory properties of four cultivars ofraspberry (Meeker, Willamette, Fertödi, Polka) grown in the area of the municipality of Bosanska Krupa. The Polka cultivar had the bestmorphological properties with average fruit width of 1.91 cm, height of 2.31 cm, and weight of 4.80 g. This cultivar also received thebest sensory scores. In all the cultivars, there was a high percentage of dry matter (14.05%–16.67%), ash (0.33%–0.59%), reducing sugar(2.3%–4.99%), acid (0.78%–1.95%), and cellulose (0.93%–2.66%), as well as phenols (164.54–416.24 mg GAE/100 g), anthocyanins(53.38–58.83 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (35.77–54.92 mg/100 g). Among the cultivars, Fertödi had the highest share of antioxidantcompounds and those differences were significant (P ≥ 0.05). By using principal coordinate analysis the Polka cultivar was characterizedby width, height, and mass of fruit; Willamette by anthocyanin and phenols; and Meeker by vitamin C content.