Comparison between quality and bioactive compounds of pomegranate from two producing areas

Abstract

The consumption of fruits rich in antioxidants has increased in recent years, an example of this is the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The cultivation of pomegranate shows great expectations due to its profitability and its adaptability to development in arid zones. In this research, an imported sample and ‘Wonderful’ variety of pomegranate from Coyame, Chihuahua, Mexico was used. Quality parameters and bioactive compounds were evaluated to inform the consumer, about the quality of the fruits produced in the north of the country. The results showed significance between the different treatments, the American samples AME_2 had the largest fruits, but with the highest content of peel and cartilage, as well as the lowest percentage of arils. On the other hand, Chihuahuan COY_NE pomegranates had an average weight, a low percentage of peel and cartilage, and a higher percentage of arils. In addition, all the Coyame batches had a higher content of bioactive compounds compared to the American samples. In general, the qualities and attributes of Coyame’s pomegranates compared to imported ones, obtained better results in most of the variables evaluated. It is recommended to bring forward the harvest at the end of September in the Coyame area since it was observed that the samples from this area were overripe, and this is of the utmost importance to maintain the quality of the fruit.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• antioxidant capacity
• color index
• Punica granatum
• total phenols
• ‘Wonderful’