Caratteristiche qualitative del cavolfiore prodotto nella “Valle dell’Ofanto” in relazione al genotipo e alla conservazione

A survey was carried out for evaluating the effects of genotype and post-harvest storage on main quality characteristics of six white head cultivars (two early, two medium and two late) of cauliflower cultivated in the Ofanto valley (Southern Italy) for which has been recently recognized the certification of collective brand "Valle dell'Ofanto". Color, dry matter, soluble solids, nitrate and vitamin C content were assessed on the fresh florets and florets stored 15 days at O °c and 95% R.H. Over ali the "Valle dell'Ofanto" cauliflower, showed a high content in sug­ ars and vitamin C. From one hand quality traits were significantly affected by cultivars and crop cycle length. On the other hand, storage did not substantial­ Iy modified the qualitative characteristics of the heads, but caused only a slight increase of the dry matter and soluble solids levels, especially in those cultivars more prone to weight loss.