Identification of Optimum Harvest Time of the Turkish Ziraat 0900 Sweet Cherry ( Prunus avium L.) Cultivar Using Physico-Chemical Changes During Ripening

The 0900 Ziraat sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.) is the most exported cherry cultivar in Türkiye, valued for its high quality, large size, and rich flavor. This study aimed to determine the optimum harvest period for the 0900 Ziraat cultivar by analyzing the physico-chemical changes occurring during fruit development. In this study, fruit samples were analyzed weekly over a period of 8 weeks for fruit weight, fruit size, total soluble solids content, pH, color values, organic acids (citric acid and ascorbic acid), and phenolics (gallic acid and catechin). The results showed that the color changed from green to deep red, while full ripeness was reached in the 8 th week. Fruit weight increased from 0.69 g to 9.80 g. Firmness decreased significantly after the 4 th week and reached its lowest level in the 8 th week (232.55 g), while elasticity fluctuated. TSS values increased steadily, reaching the highest value of 16.00% in the 8 th week, while pH values fluctuated during ripening. Citric acid content decreased steadily, while ascorbic acid reached the highest value (255.67 mg 100 g −1 fw) in the 8 th week. The contents of gallic acid and catechin decreased over time, with slight fluctuations in the last few weeks. Based on these findings, the optimum harvest time for the 0900 Ziraat sweet cherry cultivar was determined to be between the 7 th and 8 th week after full bloom, as this period offers the best balance between fruit size, color, firmness, and sugar-acid ratio. The outcomes of the present study can help producers and retailers collect this sweet cherry cultivar at optimal harvest time with the highest sensory and nutritional properties.