Geographical indication (GI) branded quality: a study case on the homogeneity of the Carota Novella di Ispica Region

Quality criteria for fresh produce are often underestimated in the industry, as the majority of parameters regulated are visual. Consequentially, this negatively affects the physicochemical, nutraceutical and organoleptic properties of the end product offered to the consumer. To deal with this, more information is required about the pre- and postharvest development of quality-related parameters. The aim of this work was to evaluate the postharvest quality of four different carrot cultivars of the Carota Novella di Ispica brand. The brand is protected by geographical indication and is well known around Italy for its high quality. Carrots were exposed to standard commercial storage conditions for 6 weeks. Samples were collected at the beginning, after 3 weeks and at the end of the period. At each time point, physicochemical, nutraceutical and organoleptic parameters were evaluated. The results show that the four cultivars are of high overall quality and are generally homogenous among parameters.