Evaluation of some quantitative and qualitative properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit during the last stages of maturation

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid by consumers to cornelian cherry fruit, which is rich in antioxidants. This research was carried out based on a randomized complete block design for evaluation of the variations in some quantitative and qualitative properties of cornelian cherry fruits during the last stages of maturation in 2015. Fruits were harvested at 4 different times and from 4 main geographical directions of the tree and were then immediately transferred to the laboratory. Several parameters such as dimension (length and width), weight, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and total antioxidant capacity of the fruits were investigated. The results showed that the effect of different harvest dates on all traits was significant (P<0.05) while no significant differences were observed between replications. During fruit ripening, weight, dimension, pH, TSS, TSS/TA ratio, total flavonoids, and total anthocyanins increased while firmness, TA, total phenol, and total antioxidant capacity decreased. The content of ascorbic acid increased during fruits ripening, but it reduced again in the last harvest. The results indicate that the third harvest time (16.63 Brix level) can be the best harvest date for this genotype.

Keywords

• antioxidant capacity
• ascorbic acid
• cornelian cherry
• harvest date
• qualitative traits