Peppers and apples were stored at 16◦C and RH 60 ± 5% for 21 days. For microbiological analysis, 10 g of pepper/apple was sampled (from the cross-like cut location) and homogenized with 90 mL of 0.85% NaCl using a Stomacher blender (Stomacher 400 Circulator, Seward, UK).