EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF QUINCE (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) FRUIT

This study evaluated the physical and chemical properties of three quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) cultivars—’Asenica,’ ‘Hemus,’ and ‘Leskova ka’— grown under the agroecological conditions of the a ak region, Serbia. During two growing sesons (2023 and 2024), physical traits analyzed included fruit weight, height, and width, while chemical properties were assessed in two time periods: immediately after harvest and after 15 days of storage at room temperature. The chemical analysis included soluble solids content (SSC), total organic acids (TOA), and the ripening index (RI). The results revealed significant differences among cultivars, as well as between the two years of study. Fruit weight ranged from 252.7 g (‘Hemus’) to 289.5 g (‘Leskova ka’), with significant year-to-year variations. The SSC content was highest in ‘Hemus’ (16.27%) in the second sampling period, while ‘Asenica’ had the highest OA levels (1.194 g/100 cm³) immediately after harvest. The ripening index increased after storage, with ‘Hemus’ showing the highest values, making it the most suitable for fresh consumption and processing. The interaction between cultivar and year significantly influenced most parameters, highlighting the importance of environmental conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of quince fruit quality and provide recommendations for the optimal cultivation and post-harvest handling of these cultivars in this region.