ISSN Online: 3007-1941 ISSN Print: 3007-1933 [Link]

php/Journal/about

[Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

Assessment of Apple Fruit Quality Parameters in Major Growing Regions of Pakistan

Zubair Ahmed Khan1, Syed Abdul Sadiq2, Abdul Basit3, Saif Ur Rehman4, Israr Ullah5*, Javaid
Hassan6

Article Details ABSTRACT

Keywords: Apple Quality, Physico- Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), fruits of different agro-ecological
Chemical Attributes, Sensory zones of Pakistan (Baluchistan, Swat and Gilgit–Baltistan) were
Evaluation, Gilgit–Baltistan, investigated for the regional agro-climatic impact on fruit quality. A
Balochistan, Total Soluble Solids, Fruit cross-sectional sampling approach was used to collect mature apples
Firmness, Agro-Climatic Influence. ready for market and critical parameters such as fruit weight,
firmness, color index, mass ratio of methanol content (MC), total
Zubair Ahmed Khan soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, TSS/TA ratio,
Department of Horticulture, The vitamin C and sensory acceptability were determined. The majority of
University of Agriculture, Peshawar, parameters also showed significant regional discrepancies (p < 0.05).
KPK, Pakistan The physical parameters (fruit weight and firmness) and chemical
Syed Abdul Sadiq characteristics (TSS content and vitamin C) were highest in Gilgit–
Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Baltistan apples. These results were further confirmed by sensory
Baluchistan, Pakistan evaluation, as the Gilgit–Baltistan apples scored highest for
Abdul Basit appearance, sweetness, texture, and overall acceptability. Significant
Department of Horticulture, The correlations were observed between TSS and sweetness, as well as
University of Agriculture, Peshawar, between hardness and overall acceptance, showing the interrelated
KPK, Pakistan character of physicochemical and sensory attributes. The findings
Saif Ur Rehman indicate that the quality of apples in Pakistan is dependent to a greater
Department of Horticulture, The extent on their environment, and mountainous areas yield apples of
University of Agriculture, Peshawar, better quality. The results of the study can be used by producers,
KPK, Pakistan marketers, and policy makers in order to develop production
Israr Ullah* strategies, improve regional branding, and increase the
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of competitiveness of Pakistani apples both in domestic and international
Agricultural Sciences and Technology, markets.
Bahauddin Zakariya University,
Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: israrkhankakar99@[Link]
Javaid Hassan
Department of Soil and Environmental
Science, University of
Agriculture, Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan

104
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

INTRODUCTION:
Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is among the world’s major and economically important fruit crops,
prized for its taste, nutrient quality, and wide adaptation to various agro-climatic conditions. Fruit quality
attributes, which include the texture, sweetness, and acidity of the fruit, its color, and vitamin C content, are
important for market value and consumer preference. A complex interaction of genetic, environmental and
husbandry factors lead to these traits. Climatic conditions, altitude and orchard management have been
reported to be the determinants for fruit growth and biochemical composition [1]. Furthermore, the genetic
studies such as Liu, Chen [2] and Kumar, Chagné [3] also suggested that the varietal effects and genotype–
environment interactions accounted for a large proportion of apple fruit quality traits variance. With the
world market for high-quality apples growing, it is increasingly important to research resistance mechanism
of fruit to improve production system and enhance competitive power.
Pakistan is known for its variegated eco-zones conducive to apple orchards, such as Baluchistan, KPK, and
Gilgit–Baltistan. These regions have their own unique climate characteristics that can affect the quality of
apple fruit. Recent research work in Northern Pakistan [4] showed a marked difference in the
physicochemical properties of apple varieties along an altitudinal gradient. Research by Kumar, Chagné [3]
also showed that the apple fruits cultivated at high altitudes of Gilgit–Baltistan have higher firmness,
sweetness, and nutritional status than those grown in low-altitude areas. These findings are consistent with
a global pattern as reported by Ozowara and Whitehead [5] and Mignard, Beguería [6], who suggested that
lower temperatures and slower maturation would increase sugars and the quality of fruits in general.
Although apples are critical for Pakistan’s horticulture, systematic surveys of region-specific quality
attributes are scarce. Most of the literature on chill injury is regarding varietal evaluation or postharvest
storage responses to chilling, such as these studies on chilling in storage conducted by Jha, Rai [7] and
Ullah, Ahmed [8]. Nonetheless, detailed comparisons of the quality of fresh apples among different apple
production areas in Pakistan are rarely reported. With the increasing trend for regional marketing,
improvements in fruit quality, and development of value chains, the question arises as to what extent
environmental conditions influence physical, chemical, and sensory apple properties. Thus, the present
study was carried out to assess fruit quality parameters of apples grown at major production areas of
Pakistan, which might help in having a database for formulating strategies on improvement in fruit quality,
marketing, and future breeding activities.

Methodology
Study Area
The study was conducted in apple growing regions of Pakistan including Baluchistan (Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat),
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Swat and northern areas) and Gilgit–Baltistan (Hunza and Gilgit). These locations
were selected because they are major apple growing areas in the country and represent varied agro-climatic
situation. The orchards were also geographically located, and altitude and climate data were recorded to
include local environmental variation related with fruit quality.

Study Design
This study aimed to evaluate fruit quality parameters of apple fruits from the major apple growing regions
of Pakistan on cross-sectional and multi-regional level. Stratified sampling occurred at the stratum level,
which was based on region. In each stratum commercial orchards were selected randomly with a pure
random sampling. Common methods for sample collection, handling and transport to laboratory were
employed by all sites to assist in maintaining a standard method approach.

Sample Collection
Commercial size mature apple fruit were harvested from different orchards at peak season. Approximately
30 fruits from each orchard were sampled and variable canopy side and position were collected. The fruit

105
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

was then placed into ventilated crates and transported to the laboratory under cool to minimize post-harvest
changes. The samples were analyzed immediately on reception according to the standard postharvest
quality assessment protocol.

Physical and Chemical Quality Assessment

Morphological traits including fruit weight, length, width, shape index of fruits, and color as well as
firmness were evaluated by means of the digital balance such as vernier calipers and chromameters
(CIELAB system) and penetrometers. Chemical attributes like total soluble solids, titrable acidity, pH,
TSS/TA ratio and vitamin C were analyzed through the standard analytical procedures. Total soluble solids
were measured using a digital refractometer, the titratable acidity was analyzed by NaOH titration, pH read
with a digital pH meter and vitamin C content using 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol according to hydrolysis
method. All measurements were taken in triplicate for precision and accuracy.

Sensory Evaluation
Apple samples were evaluated by ten trained panelists, using descriptive sensory analysis. Visual, odor,
sweetness, sourness, texture and overall acceptability were evaluated on a structured 9-point hedonic scale.
Samples were labelled coding and randomly shown in laboratory conditions. Panelists performed standard
sensory evaluation, and tasted samples after cleansing their palates per normal practice to minimize any
bias.

Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version-27) software. Physico-chemical and sensory
characteristics were described with descriptive statistics. Pair-wise p value differences were determined by
one-way ANOVA, and means were separated using Tukey’s Honest Significant difference test (p < 0.05).
The relationships of fruit quality parameters were tested with Pearson correlation. The results were
expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Physical Quality Parameters
Physical characteristics of apple fruit differed significantly among the regions. Fruit weight was highest in
fruit collected from Gilgit–Baltistan (168.9 ±15.6 g) followed by Swat (155.3 ±14.1g) and Baluchistan
provinces (142.6 ±12.4), as shown in Table 1(p = 0.003). The length, diameter and firmness of the fruits
showed similar trends. The fruits of Gilgit–Baltistan also had superior peel firmness (63.4 ± 6.5 N) than the
other regions, which represents better textural attribute integrity (p = 0.002). These regional discrepancies
are also illustrated in Figure 1, which shows that there has been a low increase from the Baluchistan to
Gilgit–Baltistan with respect to fruit weight. The trend of firmness reported in Figure 2 also lends validity
to the above table indicating the firmest fruit at the upper altitude.

Table 1: Physical Characteristics of Apple Fruits from Major Growing Regions of Pakistan (Mean ±
SD)

Parameter Baluchistan Swat Gilgit–Baltistan p-value

Fruit Weight (g) 142.6 ± 12.4 155.3 ± 14.1 168.9 ± 15.6 0.003
Fruit Length (mm) 61.2 ± 4.3 64.8 ± 4.9 67.5 ± 5.1 0.011
Fruit Diameter (mm) 68.1 ± 3.9 71.5 ± 4.4 74.2 ± 4.8 0.009
Shape Index 0.89 ± 0.05 0.91 ± 0.04 0.91 ± 0.03 0.128
Peel Firmness (N) 54.3 ± 6.1 58.7 ± 5.8 63.4 ± 6.5 0.002
Color Index 0.71 ± 0.08 0.76 ± 0.07 0.82 ± 0.06 0.015

106
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

Figure 1: Fruit weight (g) across major apple-growing regions of Pakistan.

Figure 2. Fruit firmness (N) across the three regions

Chemical Quality Parameters

Chemical qualities differed also among the growing areas. Gilgit–Baltistan apples had the highest total
soluble solids (14.1 ± 1.2 °Brix), reflecting a higher potential sweetness, followed by other districts, whereas
apple fruit was significantly acidic (0.68 ± 0.07%) according to Table 2. The same conclusions are
supported by a simple graphical illustration, as shown in Figure 3 where it is observed that TSS levels rise
107
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

from Baluchistan to Gilgit-Baltistan. Vitamin C content was also region dependent and Gilgit-Baltistan
fruits collected presented highest value (9.8 ± 1.0 mg/100 g). Figure 4 depicts such differences, revealing
the higher nutritional quality of fruits from the cold land as compared with those from a low altitude zone.

Table 2: Chemical Quality Attributes of Apple Fruits from Different Regions (Mean ± SD)

Parameter Baluchistan Swat Gilgit–Baltistan p-value

TSS (°Brix) 12.4 ± 1.1 13.2 ± 1.3 14.1 ± 1.2 0.004
Titratable Acidity (%) 0.68 ± 0.07 0.61 ± 0.06 0.55 ± 0.05 0.009
pH 3.62 ± 0.12 3.71 ± 0.15 3.82 ± 0.14 0.012
TSS/TA Ratio 18.2 ± 1.8 21.6 ± 2.1 25.5 ± 2.4 0.001
Vitamin C (mg/100 g) 7.4 ± 0.8 8.6 ± 0.9 9.8 ± 1.0 0.003

Figure 3: Total soluble solids (°Brix) in apples from different regions.

108
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

Figure 4: Vitamin C content (mg/100 g) of apples from major growing regions.

Sensory Evaluation
Sensory evaluation revealed that the consumer-related characteristics differed significantly between
regions. The maximum mean overall acceptability scores (8.0 ± 0.5) were obtained by apples of Gilgit–
Baltistan followed by Swat (7.3 ± 0.6), as given in Table 3. Baluchistan fruits were lowest rated, especially
for sweetness and texture. These directions are represented in Figure 5.
Table 3: Sensory Scores of Apples Fruits from Different Regions (9-Point Hedonic Scale; Mean ± Sd)
Attribute Baluchistan Swat Gilgit–Baltistan p-value
Appearance 6.8 ± 0.7 7.3 ± 0.6 7.9 ± 0.5 0.010
Aroma 6.5 ± 0.8 7.1 ± 0.7 7.6 ± 0.6 0.018
Sweetness 6.2 ± 0.7 7.0 ± 0.6 7.8 ± 0.6 0.002
Acidity 6.9 ± 0.6 7.2 ± 0.7 7.5 ± 0.5 0.077
Texture 6.4 ± 0.8 7.1 ± 0.6 7.9 ± 0.5 0.003
Overall Acceptability 6.6 ± 0.7 7.3 ± 0.6 8.0 ± 0.5 0.001

109
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

Figure 5: Overall acceptability scores from sensory panel evaluations.

Correlation Analysis
Correlations have shown significant associations between physicochemical and sensory parameters. total
soluble solids were highly correlated with sensory sweetness (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and firmness had a
positive correlation with overall acceptability (r = 0.78, p = 0.002), as shown in Table 4. Titratable acidity
showed a negative correlation with sweetness and appearance.

Table 4: Pearson Correlation Coefficients Among Key Fruit Quality Parameters

Parameter Pair Correlation (r) p-value

TSS vs. Sweetness 0.83 <0.001
Firmness vs. Overall Acceptability 0.78 0.002
Acidity vs. Sweetness -0.69 0.006
Weight vs. Appearance 0.72 0.004
Vitamin C vs. Aroma 0.67 0.008

Discussion
The present study found significant regional variations in the physical quality parameters of apple fruits
harvested from all over Pakistan, particularly for weight, firmness and peel color. Gilgit–Baltistan apples
surpassed the Baluchistan and Swat apples, due to lower temperature in the region and high attitude. These
findings agreed with the findings of Tipu, Akram [9] who observed that cold (Gilgit–Baltistan) material had
high fruit firmness and size due to late maturation and more physiological development. Ahmad, Sarfraz
[10] observed significant differences for fruit characters in apple cultivars grown at Murree (Pakistan) the
variation is mainly due to environmental influence on performance.
Chemical characteristics (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and vitamin C) showed a great variation
among regions. The enhanced TSS and vitamin C in apples from Gilgit–Baltistan of the present study
agreed to Mehdi, Sohail [4] who reported that atmospheric cooler temperature led to sweeter and
110
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

nutritionally enriched fruit. Higher TSS/TA ratio results in better flavor profiles, which agrees with of Jha,
Rai [7], who were also reported that sweetness and acidity balances effects on consumer acceptability.
Moreover, the low acidic nature of apple fruit from Gilgit–Baltistan corresponds to Jha, Rai [7] where
climatic impact on acid metabolism during fruit ripening was studied.
The sensory evaluation also depicted the appropriate results as apples from Gilgit–Baltistan were
significantly superior in all properties, such as appearance, sweetness, and texture (overall acceptability)
due to their better external quality. These results confirm the link between traits and consumer perception as
described by Militaru, Bucarciuc [11], who indicated for apple cultivars that firmness, soluble solids, and
color are excellent predictors of sensory quality. The high correlations found in this work, especially
between TSS and sweetness, also support what was observed by Jha, Rai [7] that soluble sugar has a direct
effect on the perceived sweetness of apples. The positive correlation between firmness and acceptability
provides further evidence for the findings of Ullah, Ahmed [8], who reported that textural integrity is
regarded as one of the most important factors in market acceptability.
The findings show that quality profiles of apple crop from Pakistan were influenced by environmental
conditions in the respective regions with Gilgit–Baltistan as the most effective one for physical, chemical
and sensory traits. These results are relevant not only for varietal selection and regional branding but also
for postharvest treatments. The trends here reported are consistent with other studies which demonstrated
the effect of altitude, temperature and genotype–environment interaction on fruit quality attributes. A long-
term multi-year study, storage behavior and influence of horticultural practices for obtaining a complete
quality profile in the major apple growing areas of Pakistan needs to be adopted in future.

Conclusion
The present study provides a comprehensive overview of apple fruit quality in major producing regions of
Pakistan and highlights the role of regional agro-climatic differences on physical, chemical and sensory
characteristics. The apple fruit from combined genotypes of Gilgit–Baltistan combined were consistently
superior in both weight and firmness, with higher color development, soluble solids content (SS) and
vitamin C concentration; the samples also received the highest rates for sensory acceptability when
compared to both similar traits between Swat and Baluchistan collectively indicating that cooler montane
sites at high elevations produce a better quality fruit. On the other hand, the lower fruit sweetness could be
attributed to higher temperature conditions and fast ripening of apple grown in a warmer climate area
(Baluchistan). Moreover, the strong correlation between the basic physico-chemical properties and sensory
attributes emphasize biochemical composition about consumer perception on fruit quality. The outcomes
not only endorse the findings of earlier work on environmental impacts on apple physiology, but also
provide an input for growers, breeders and policy makers about the enhancement in market value and
competitiveness of Pakistani apples. Where the areas with the highest potential were located, this study can
assist in targeted production strategies, regional branding policies, and an informed calculation of efforts
involved in orchard management. The findings will need to be further extended by multi seasonal tests that
consider storage behavior analysis and cultivar-specific genetic effect in order better to define the quality
space in Pakistani apple production.

Funding
Not applicable.

References
Musacchi, S. and S. Serra, Apple fruit quality: Overview on pre-harvest factors. Scientia Horticulturae,
2018. 234: p. 409-430.
Liu, W., et al., Research progress on genetic basis of fruit quality traits in apple (Malus× domestica).
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2022. 13: p. 918202.

111
 [Link]
Volume 3, Issue 5 (2025)

Kumar, S., et al., Genomic selection for fruit quality traits in apple (Malus× domestica Borkh.). PloS one,
2012. 7(5): p. e36674.
Mehdi, A., et al., 40. Assessment of physico-chemical and phyto-chemical properties of six apple varities
cultivated in district Nagar and Hunza Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Pure and Applied Biology (PAB),
2020. 9(2): p. 1627-1636.
Ozowara, X. and S.R. Whitehead, Variability in apple fruit quality across management systems and
latitudinal climate gradients. Plants, People, Planet, 2025.
Mignard, P., et al., Genetic origin and climate determine fruit quality and antioxidant traits on apple (Malus
x domestica Borkh). Scientia horticulturae, 2021. 285: p. 110142.
Jha, S.N., D. Rai, and R. Shrama, Physico-chemical quality parameters and overall quality index of apple
during storage. Journal of food Science and technology, 2012. 49(5): p. 594-600.
Ullah, F., et al., Postharvest Quality Potential Comparison of Apple Cultivars at Ambient Temperature. Pak-
Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences, 2025. 8(2): p. 291-306.
Tipu, F.A., et al. Comparative Assessment of Fruit Quality Attributes and Bioactive Compounds of Apple
(Malus domestica) Genotypes Grown in Gilgit-Baltistan. in Biology and Life Sciences Forum. 2025.
MDPI.
Ahmad, N., et al., Quality comparison of some local varieties of apples grown at Murree, Punjab, Pakistan.
Int. J. of Agronomy and Agri. Res.(IJAAR), 2018. 13(5): p. 89-95.
Militaru, M., et al., Fruit physico-chemical quality parameters of new introduced apple cultivars. Fruit
Growing Research, 2021: p. 39-44.

112