Investigation of pomological and biochemical properties of peach cultivars with different ripening periods

Peaches are highly nutritious summer fruits that are valued for their flavor and richness in phytochemical compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maturing genotypes on the pomological properties and biochemical content (sugars, organic acids, phenolic and volatile compounds) of three peach cultivars grown in the Regueb region and characterized by different ripening dates: extra-early (Nectarine), early (Blanvio 10) and mid-season (UFO3). The results showed that Nectarine had the highest fruit weight (107.78 g) and firmness (6.49 kg cm−2). In addition, the fruits of this cultivar were the richest in flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids (1061.36 mg100 g−1), while the mesocarps of Blanvio 10 showed the lowest contents. Sugar content varied significantly between cultivars. In fact, UFO3 fruits had the highest sucrose content, followed by Nectarine, while those of Blanvio 10 were the least sweet. The analysis of the aroma and volatile compounds exhibited that all studied cultivars were rich in aromatic substances. In conclusion, the differences found in fruit composition are crucial for different consumer preferences and processing purposes. Understanding these attributes is essential for optimizing their use in food and targeting breeding programs aimed at enhancing desirable traits for both consumer and industry needs.