Fruit acidity is a biochemical quality indicator reflecting the sugar-acid ratio, which shapes the taste of the produce. This parameter determines the suitability of fruits for fresh consumption or industrial processing and also influences storage life, as an increased acidity level inhibits the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
For objective evaluation, the titratable acidity index is used, representing the total concentration of free acids and their salts. In laboratory conditions, this parameter is determined by the titration method using alkaline solutions until a fixed pH level is reached. The measurement results are expressed in grams per 100 grams of product or as a percentage.
In official variety testing, acidity is evaluated as one of the key quality indicators, often in combination with sugar content via the sugar-acid ratio. The final values of the trait depend on the crop species, although they are also influenced by the maturity stage of the fruits, growing conditions, and the mineral nutrition regime of the plants.