Selection of New Late-Season Mandarin Cultivars Based on Sensory Changes and Consumer Acceptance after Fruit Cold Storage

Late-season mandarins are normally cold-stored to prolong the commercial season. Thus, it is necessary investigate poststorage consumer acceptance predict potential success of new late-season mandarin varieties on market. The aim present work was evaluate response three cultivars preselected in IVIA breeding programme (Omet, Matiz and Tri-703) after different cold storage periods. were compared Orri, Nadorcott Ortanique, all which widely available stores. A multidisciplinary approach used determine main changes during at 1 °C for up one month: (1) analysis physico-chemical parameters; (2) description sensory profile by semitrained assessors Free Choice Profile technique; (3) evaluation acceptability purchase intention. Our results showed that fruit underwent depended variety; these allowed us understand why preferences varied storage. Of cultivars, two (Omet greatest success. However, while Tri-703 can be stored month, Omet should not longer than 15 days due its susceptibility manifest skin damage internal Orri quality keenly appreciated consumers, Ortanique considered most attractive variety. followed this study proved a potent tool selecting implemented selection processes programmes.