The post-harvest engineering properties of Japan flowering crabapple (Malus floribunda) fruits

Abstract

The engineering properties of Japan flowering crabapple for post-harvest applications were investigated in this study. The physical properties such as geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface and projected areas, bulk and fruit densities, porosity, and colour characteristics were measured of Japan flowering crabapple. Mechanical properties (skin and flesh firmness, rupture force and cutting force) and chemical properties (total soluble solids content, titratable acidity and pH) of Japan flowering crabapple fruit were determined. The geometric mean diameter, sphericity and surface area of Japan flowering crabapple were found as 33.96 mm, 97.69% and 36.45 mm², respectively. The bulk and fruit densities of Japan flowering crabapple were observed as 658.5 kg m^-3 and 1031.07 kg m^-3, respectively. The static coefficient of friction of Japan flowering crabapple fruit was lower for laminate than the other surfaces. The total soluble solids content and titratable acidity of Japan flowering crabapple fruit were found as 7.57% and 0.311 g 100 g^-1, respectively.