Evaluation of antioxidant properties of thirteen orange genotypes [Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck] with juice industry interest

Abstract

Orange fruit and juice are highly appreciated for their health benefits, primarily due to their antioxidant compounds. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities, phenolic compounds, and ascorbic acid content in the pulp of thirteen orange cultivars of interest to orange juice industry, harvested on two different dates within the harvest season for each of them. The highest polyphenol content was found in the Moro Catania and Sanguinelli cultivars. The highest ascorbic acid content was found in the Bernalina cultivar. The antioxidant assays (ABTS and DPPH) suggested that blood oranges (Moro Catania, Moro Rosso and Sanguinelli cultivars) had the highest antioxidant activities. PCA analysis suggested a strong relationship between polyphenols and antioxidant activity, as well as a genotype effect on antioxidant compounds and activity. This study showed significant differences in the metabolic responses of different cultivars, which can be utilised by the juice industry to offer consumers better juice properties.

Keywords

• Antioxidant activity
• Polyphenols
• Ascorbic acid
• Food properties
• Orange cultivars