Assessment of Color Characteristics, Carotenoids, and Volatile Profile of Apricot ( <i>Prunus armeniaca</i> L.) Cultivars from Austria

This study systematically analyzed 18 apricot varieties grown in Austria with regard to their carotenoid and aroma profiles, as well as their color characteristics, to uncover variety-specific differences under standardized growing conditions. The observed differences in secondary metabolites provide a comprehensive overview of carotenoid and volatile compound variability and offer new insights for breeding and nutritional evaluation. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the varieties were classified into three distinct groups based on their origin and characterized by their carotenoid concentration. A clear difference was observed between varieties of Western and Central European origin. The traditional varieties “Ungarische Beste” and “Holländische Marille” exhibited the highest total carotenoid content. Quantitative differences in 30 aroma-active compounds were analyzed across the apricot cultivars. The resulting volatile profiles of the cultivars demonstrated substantial complexity, with specific key aroma compounds characterizing the individual cultivars. In contrast to the carotenoid-based classification, the aroma profiles indicated a slightly different varietal grouping and underscored the influence of distinct volatile markers.