The importance of weight loss in reducing breakdown of Jonathan apples

Abstract

Studies were made of the effect of different treatments on weight loss and breakdown of Jonathan apples. The apples were stored at 30°F under high relative humidity except while the following treatments were applied : initial storage at 30°F for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks at 65 per cent relative humidity ; storage at 30°F over calcium chloride for 8 weeks ; hydrocooling ; step-wise cooling from 36°F to 30°F ; and warming the fruit at 68°F for 24 hours. The level of breakdown in all treatments depended on the loss in weight of the fruit. Initial storage at low humidity appears to be a practical method of reducing breakdown.