Evaluation of morphological, chemical, and sensory characteristicsof raspberry cultivars grown in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Due to the growth in production of raspberry ( Rubus sp.) in the Una-Sana Canton, there is a considerable need to research the fruit quality, as well as to guide the production in order to satisfy the requirements of the market. Raspberry fruit is very interesting for consumers because of its pleasant aroma and color, low calories, and high nutrient value, with health benefits that manifest in the high amount of antioxidants. In this paper, we have examined the morphological, chemical, and sensory properties of four cultivars of raspberry (Meeker, Willamette, Fertodi, Polka) grown in the area of the municipality of Bosanska Krupa. The Polka cultivar had the best morphological properties with average fruit width of 1.91 cm, height of 2.31 cm, and weight of 4.80 g. This cultivar also received the best 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, Fertodi had the highest share of antioxidant compounds and those differences were significant (P ≥ 0.05). By using principal coordinate analysis the Polka cultivar was characterized by width, height, and mass of fruit; Willamette by anthocyanin and phenols; and Meeker by vitamin C content.