Comparison of The Quality of Irish and French Grown Golden Delicious Apples

The quality of Irish and French grown Golden Delicious apples, purchased at retail outlets in Dublin, was compared in 1974-75 and in 1975-76. The French Goldens were on average about 48 and 28% more expensive per kg than the Irish in 1974-75 and 1975-76 respectively. The main quality difference between fruit from the two sources was in colour, the French fruit being green and the Irish, green-yellow to golden. The French Goldens were generally larger and had a higher juice yield while the Irish were firmer and had more ribbing. On average, there was no taste panel preference for fruit from either source and there were only small differences in soluble solids, acidity and bruising.