The Study of Changes in Physical Attributes, Chemical Composition, Phenolic Evaluation and Antioxidant Capacity of Pomegranate Fruit During Storage

Abstract

This study was accomplished to investigate the regular changes in physical and chemical composition, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum and reducing power assays among the two varieties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) grown in Pakistan commonly named as Kandhari and Bedana, stored at room temperature during four different stages with specific intervals till the fruit rotten. During fruit decay, the results showed significantly increase in the density, viscosity and refractive index of juice, and significant decrease in juiciness depends upon the chemical composition including increase in pH, sugar contents, TSS, total dry matter, ash contents, TDS and decrease in total organic matter, conductance, titratable acidity, moisture contents, NaCl and total carotenoids were observed in both varieties. Bedana showed relatively high TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential in comparison of Kandhari pomegranate. TPC and TFC as well as antioxidant capacity were decreased in Bedana and Kandhari pomegranats during storage. In both pomegranates, decrease in antioxidant index observed as fruit rotten, particularly it is suitable to consumed pomegranate as fresh after full bloom. Study also emphasizing that Bedana is good source of micro-constituents and high accumulation of antioxidants and slightly higher than Kandhari whereas Kandhari is enriched in bioactive compounds as well as in juiciness. The purpose of this study is to gain the scientific evidence of better health and commercially important outcomes after the consumption of these pomegranates.

Key words:

• Pomegranate
• physical attributes
• chemical composition
• phenolic evaluation
• antioxidant capacity