Lipid evaluation of cultivated and wild carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seed oil growing in Turkey

Studies were carried out on the oil content, fatty acids, tocopherols and sterols in the seeds of two carobs (Ceratonia siliqua), cultivated and wild, from Turkey. The oil yields of cultivated and wild carob seeds were established as 1.73 and 1.82% on a dry weight basis, respectively. The main fatty acids in cultivated and wild carob seed oils are linoleic (49.1% and 51.0%), oleic (30.4% and 26.5%), palmitic (10.3% and 12.0%) and stearic (3.5% and 4.6%), respectively. Tocopherols and phytosterols are important constituents of the unsaponifiable fraction of several seed oils. The major tocopherol in both seed oils was γ-tocopherol. The composition (mg/100 g) was as follows α-tocopherol (69.06 and 70.39 mg/100 g), P8 (22.29 and 24.78 mg/100 g), δ-tocopherol (8.70 and 10.66 mg/100 g), β-tocopherol (2.30 and 1.85 mg/100 g). The total tocopherol contents had 208.45 and 223.14 mg/100 g, respectively. The total content of sterols of both oils were determined as 16400.94 and 30191.55 mg/kg, with β-sitosterol as the predominant sterol that accounted for more than 70% of the total amount of sterols other sterols, campesterol (5.33–5.32%), stigmasterol (0.58–11.43%) 7-avenasterol (3.45–3.03%), 7-stigmasterol (2.16–2.4%), and chlerosterol (1.33–1.0%) were detected in both carob oils. As a result, the accurate quantification of these analyses has very important applications for the nutrition sciences.     

Physico-chemical characteristics of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Northern Areas of Pakistan

In order to ascertain physico-chemical, functional and geometrical traits of apricot fruit from Northern Areas of Pakistan, six predominantly grown varieties namely, Alman, Habi, Khakhas, Mirmalik, Neeli and Shai were selected in this study. Proximate composition as crude fat (2.1–3%), crude protein (6.18–8.7%), crude fiber (11.85–13.6%), ash (9.45–12.1%) and total sugars (56.8–64.9%) were determined on dry weight basis. The data showed variations among the investigated parameters in all varieties. Functional properties of apricot fruit viz. ascorbic acid (67.39–90.94 mg/100 g), total phenolic compounds (4590–7310 mgGAE/100 g), total carotenoids (10.09–18.13 mg/100 g β-carotene) and antioxidant activity (56.84–82.33%) were also recorded. The data pertaining to mineral contents (mg/100 g) revealed K as the predominant element (2040–3000) followed by P, Mg, Ca, Na and Fe among all the tested samples. Furthermore, geometrical characters of apricot varieties were also determined as important sensory and technological attributes on fresh weight basis. The result from the present study showed that all the tested varieties are highly nutritious and rich in functional components.     

Cyanogenic D-amygdalin contents of the kernels of cultivated almonds and wild Amygdalus webbii Spach.

SUMMARY

D-amygdalin is a toxic compound found in the kernels of some bitter almond cultivars.This compound is toxic because of its potential to release poisonous hydrogen cyanide. The D-amygdalin contents of the kernels of 18 commercial almond cultivars (Prunus dulcis Mill. = Amygdalus communis L.) and three wild genotypes (Amygdalus webbii Spach.) were determined by HPLC. In initial tests, two extraction procedures [100% (v/v) methanol or 4% (w/v) citric acid)], two different kernel cutting sizes (powdered or roughly-cut pieces), and two shaking techniques (mechanical shaking or sonication) were assessed. The results obtained showed that the method of extraction can have a strong effect on the extent of recovery of the potentially toxic compound, which varied by a factor of approx. 20-fold across the different extraction techniques.The greatest recovery of D-amygdalin from wild almond kernels was achieved with mechanical shaking of roughly-cut kernels in 100% (v/v) methanol, and this procedure was applied for all subsequent analyses of the D-amygdalin contents of all genotypes. The highest amounts of D-amygdalin were found in “bitter” cultivars and wild genotypes (716 – 23,025 mg kg^–1), with lower values in “sweet” cultivars (0 – 158 mg kg^–1). High levels of variability were observed both among the 18 almond cultivars and the A. webbii genotypes tested.     

Some physico-chemical characteristics of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey

In this study, some selected physico-chemical properties (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, fatty acids, fruit colour, fruit juice yield, fruit weight, organic acids, pH, total phenolic and total soluble solid contents) of five black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes grown in the Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of black mulberry fruits were determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu and β-carotene bleaching method assays, respectively. Fatty acids of mulberry fruits were determined by using gas chromatography. Total phenolic content was observed in black mulberry fruits between 1943 and 2237 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh mass. The vitamin C content of genotypes varied between 14.9 and 18.7 mg/100 ml. The major fatty acids in all mulberry fruits were linoleic acid (53.57–64.41%) and palmitic acid (11.36–16.41%). Antioxidant activity of black mulberry genotypes was found between 63% and 76%, which lower than standard BHA and BHT. Regarding organic acid content, malic acid was the most predominant with a range of 123–218 mg/g followed by citric acid (21–41 mg/g). The results of the study are helpful for attempting crop improvement in black mulberry for bringing to cultivation.     

Organic acid content and composition of the olive fruits during ripening and its relationship with oil and sugar

In this work, the contents of oil, sugar and organic acids of olive fruit samples (Domat, Memecik and Uslu) were determined by using HPLC at different maturation stages. Olive fruit samples presented a common organic acid profile, composed of four constituents: oxalic, citric, malic and succunic acids. Total organic acid content of Domat variety was found to be 4787.1 ± 4.53 mg/100 g in January. Memecik variety had the highest value at the beginning of the ripening period (6385.08 ± 4.90 mg/100 g). The amount of organic acid in Uslu variety reached up to the value of 10942.5 ± 30.41 mg/100 g. The results were evaluated statistically to determine relationship between the oil, sugar and organic acid content in three olive varieties during maturation. A positive correlation was found between the total sugar and organic acid (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) whereas a low positive correlation was observed between the contents of oil and total organic acids (r = 0.46, p < 0.05) in olive varieties.     

Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) genotypes in Iran

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a naturally growing dogwood species in Arasbaran (East Azerbaijan, Iran). Antioxidant capacity, total anthocyanins, total phenols, ascorbic acid and total flavnoids of a number of selected cornelian cherry genotypes were investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of cornelian cherry fruits were determined according to Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH method, respectively. The range of ascorbic acid content of genotypes was 183.25–299.5 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). Genotype C24 had the highest total antioxidant capacity (82.37) and total phenolic (2695.75 mg galic acid per 100 g FW basis). The highest total anthocyanin was observed in C27 genotype (442.11 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g FW). This genotype also had the highest total flavonoid (669 mg catechin per 100 g FW basis). There are linear relationships between the antioxidant capacities with total phenols, total flavonoid and ascorbic acid. But, No statistically significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins. According to Path analysis, the highest direct effect on antioxidant was observed in total flavonoid (0.38). The present study demonstrates the potential of certain cornelian cherry genotypes, notably C24 and C27, for improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.     

Late season harvest and storage of Rubus berries—Major antioxidant and sugar levels

Late season production of raspberries and blackberries has become more common due to increased consumer demand and new production techniques, but information is scarce regarding the effect on nutritional quality, especially during storage. Antioxidant levels in berries can be influenced by pre-harvest climate conditions (light intensity, day length and temperature) and post-harvest storage time. This study analysed the effect of these factors on the content of different antioxidants (vitamin C, ellagic acid, anthocyanins and total phenolics) in raspberries (Rubus idaeus L. cv. Polka) and blackberries (Rubus fructicosus L. cv. Loch Ness) during storage. The analyses were performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection. Ellagic acid content during storage ranged between 104 and 114 mg/100 g fresh weight in raspberries and 172 and 182 mg/100 g fresh weight in blackberries. Anthocyanin content increased during storage from 64 to 77 mg/100 g fresh weight in raspberries, but decreased from 199 to 162 mg/100 g fresh weight in blackberries. Vitamin C content in raspberries ranged during storage between 22 and 28 mg/100 g fresh weight, but in blackberries values were lower (10–12 mg/100 g fresh weight). Significant changes in total phenolics and sugars occurred during different storage periods (0–9 or 10 days). The results suggest that late season raspberries and blackberries maintain high quality in terms of antioxidant content.     

Investigation of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of twenty Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars

Pomegranate is one of the native fruits of Iran which contains high genetic resources, but there are insufficient information regarding properties of the fruit. The objective of the present study was to investigate the physcio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of twenty pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran. This study showed that there were significant differences among the cultivars in all measured factors except the length/diameter ratio of fruit. The fruit weight, skin percentage, aril percentage and juice percentage were within the range of 196.89–315.28 g, 32.28–59.82%, 37.59–65% and 26.95–46.55%, respectively. The total soluble solids content varied from 11.37 (°Brix) to 15.07 (°Brix), pH values from 3.16 to 4.09, titratable acidity content from 0.33 g 100 g⁻¹ to 2.44 g 100 g⁻¹ and total sugars content from 13.23 g 100 g⁻¹ to 21.72 g 100 g⁻¹. The results also showed that the values of ascorbic acid ranged from 9.91 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 20.92 mg 100 g⁻¹. The total anthocyanins content was observed in pomegranate cultivars between 5.56  mg 100 g⁻¹ and 30.11 mg 100 g⁻¹. The level of total phenolics was varied from 295.79 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 985.37 mg 100 g⁻¹. The antioxidant activity of pomegranate cultivars was found between 15.59 and 40.72%. These data demonstrated that the cultivar was the main parameter which influences the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates.     

Changes in kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) carotenoid and chlorophyll pigment concentrations during leaf ontogeny

There has been recent market interest in “baby” salad greens. However, little information exists on the nutritional differences between immature “baby” greens and produce traditionally sold at the fully mature stage. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) contains high levels of lutein and β-carotene, which possess important human health properties. Kale was grown in a controlled environment and pigments were measured in young (<1 week), immature (1–2 weeks), mature (2–3 weeks), fully developed (3–4 weeks) and senescing (>4 weeks) leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant differences were observed for all pigments during leaf development. Pigment accumulation followed a quadratic trend, with maximums occurring between the 1st and 3rd week of leaf age. The highest concentrations of lutein measured 15.1 mg/100 g fresh mass and occurred in 1–2 week old leaves. The remaining pigments reached maximum levels at 2–3 weeks (β-carotene at 11.6 mg/100 g; chlorophyll a at 251.4 mg/100 g; and chlorophyll b at 56.9 mg/100 g fresh mass). Mature fully expanded kale leaves accumulated higher carotenoid concentrations than immature or “baby” leaves, with senescent leaves having the lowest carotenoid concentrations. Harvesting kale leaves at a mature stage of development resulted in maximum carotenoid values. Cultural management practices that increase carotenoid concentrations would be expected to improve nutritional quality for fresh markets.     

Physical,compositional and sensory differences in nuts among pistachio (Pistachia vera L.) varieties

Differences in some physical, compositional and sensory characteristics among eight varieties of pistachio nuts (Aegina, Pontikis, Bronte, Cerasola, Joley, Kerman, Mumtaz and Sirora) from different origins were studied. The evaluated varieties were cultivated under the same field conditions and the dried nuts were utilised. The percentage of split nuts ranged from 93.8% (Sirora) to 80.2% (Aegina), the 10-nut weight from 15.23 g (Kerman) to 9.7 g (Cerasola), the kernel/nut percentage from 57.24% (w/w) (Pontikis) to 47.08% (w/w) (Kerman) and the ratio of length/width of nut from 1.81 (Aegina and Joley) to 1.56 (Mumtaz). Colour measurements showed the highest shell L* (80.26) for Kerman, the lowest shell h° (81.19) for Mumtaz, the lowest kernel membrane h° (24.43) for Cerasola, and the highest h° (107.23) on the inner kernel of Aegina. Crude protein content varied between 21.87 (Cerasola) and 18.99% d.w. (Joley), and the fat between 57.62 (Joley) and 49.79% d.w. (Cerasola). Among the major fatty acids in kernel oil, oleic ranged from 67.86% in Cerasola to 51.6% in Kerman, linoleic from 27.03% in Kerman to 11.56% in Pontikis and palmitic from 10.24% in Kerman to 8.54% in Cerasola. Linolenic acid was highest in Kerman (0.5%). Myristic, palmitoleic, stearic, vaccenic, arachidic and gondoic acids were also found in all samples. Negative and significant linear correlations were found between oleic and linoleic, and between mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Most of the physical and compositional characteristics measured were affected significantly by variety. Panelists preferred nuts of big size with a naturally yellowish shell colour. Visual differences in kernels were not significant, whereas Kerman, Sirora and Cerasola gained the panelists’ overall flavour preference among the varieties evaluated.     

Variation in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity among European plum genotypes

Our objective was to determine the amount of variation in total phenolics and antioxidants present in European plum fruits, so that it can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the health benefits. Total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the fruit, and the fruit skin color were determined in 20 genotypes, comprising of released varieties and advanced selections of European plums. Among the 20 genotypes, the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 105 to 424 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g fresh weight (FW) while the total phenolic content was 86–413 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g FW. The two parameters had a strong correlation of r² = 0.96. A direct correlation between skin color intensity and total phenolic content could also be observed. This study demonstrates that there is adequate variation in total phenolic compounds and antioxidants within European plums and hence there is potential for improvement towards enhancing these health-promoting phytochemicals in this fruit.     

Antioxidant phytochemicals in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)

Eighteen different cabbage cultivars were assayed for variability between the cultivars for the antioxidant phytonutrients. The Vitamin C content ranged from 5.66 to 23.50 mg/100 g fresh weight. The maximum Vitamin C content was recorded in cultivar Sprint Ball (23.50 mg/100 g), followed by cv. Gungaless (12.86 mg/100 g). The β-carotene content in cabbage ranged from 0.009 to 0.124 mg/100 g fresh weight. The maximum β-carotene content was recorded in cv. Quisto (0.124 mg/100 g), followed by Green Challenger (0.115 mg/100 g) and Rare Ball (0.114 mg/100 g). The minimum values for β-carotene was noted in cv. Pusa Mukta (0.009 mg/100 g). Lutein content was also recorded in the cabbage cultivars, which ranged from 0.021 to 0.258 mg/100 g fresh weight. Maximum lutein content was recorded in Quisto (0.258 mg/100 g) and minimum in Pusa Mukta (0.021 mg/100 g). Vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol) was estimated only in 14 cabbage cultivars, which ranged from 0.030 to 0.509 mg/100 g fresh weight. Maximum α-tocopherol content was recorded in Rare Ball (0.509 mg/100 g) and minimum in Green Cornell (0.030 mg/100 g). Total phenol content was also estimated only in 14 cultivars and the values ranged from 12.58 to 34.41 mg/100 g fresh weight. Amongst the three different cultivated forms of cabbage, red cabbage had higher Vitamin C (24.38 mg/100 g), dl-α-tocopherol (0.261 mg/100 g) and phenolic content (101.30 mg/100 g) as compared to the white cabbage and savoy cabbage.     

Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of selected fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions from the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey

Fig has been a typical fruit component of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet for a very long time. Phytochemical characters and antioxidant capacity of green-, yellow-, brown-, purple-, and black-fruited fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions were investigated. In this study, total phenolics (TP), total anthocyanins (TA), fructose (FRUC), glucose (GLUC), sucrose (SUC), and variables (such as L*, a*, C*, and hue°) describing fruit skin colors were examined. Also, the antioxidant capacity (TAC) of fig fruits was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antioxidant capacity was significantly correlated with the polyphenol and anthocyanin (r = 0.74 and 0.63, respectively) contents of fruits. Black fig accessions had the highest TAC (range of 7.9–16.1, mean 12.4 Fe²⁺ mmol/kg FW), TA (range of 32.3–356.0, mean 128.4 μg cy-3-rutinoside/g FW), and TP content (range of 69.1–220.0, mean 118.9 mg GAE/100 g FW). These black-fruited accessions had 2-fold greater TAC, 15-fold greater TA, and 2.5-fold greater TP than green and yellow fig accessions. However, the FRUC, GLUC, and SUC content of brown and purple fig accessions were higher than those of other color groups. The predominant sugars present were fructose (∼56%) and glucose (∼43%), as determined by HPLC.     

Chemometric Multivariate Analyses of Kernel Biometric Techniques and Shell Morphological Attributes for Analyzing Pistacia vera L. Genotypes Variability

In this study, the corresponding correlations, interdependencies, and relationships of nine traits of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) kernels were established. Here, the percentage of dehiscent shells, shell homogeneity, shell apex, position of suture opening, suture opening, number of pistachio kernels/100?g, (length/width) pistachio kernel ratio, pistachio kernel flavour and fat content of pistachio kernel were studied.

The evaluation of experimental data was performed by applying a chemometric approach: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Bayesian Networks method and Network Meta-Analysis. In this regard, based on PCA the first principal component of shell and kernel had high loadings for shell homogeneity. By using Bayesian Networks method, dendrogram of selected pistachio varieties demonstrate a high similitude existing between varieties. Furthermore, the of shell and kernel dendrogram of studied pistachio varieties demonstrated that all studied accessions could be separated into four distinct groups. Based on cluster analysis, a detailed comparison between the varieties demonstrated that the accession named ‘KERMAN’ showed a significant similarity with the Tunisian genotype ‘ELGUETAR’. In this line, Network Meta-Analysis exhibited the different interdependencies between morphological parameters, and the hierarchical clustering via heat maps displayed relationships between studied factors.

These results showed a potential use of desired characteristics at least in some infra-specific studies in Pistacia vera L. The findings of this study will help plant growers by highlighting hidden and eventual relationships between Pistacia vera L. varieties.

     

Effects of cultivar,orchard elevation,and storage on fruit quality characters of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Fruit quality characters were analysed in the sweet cherry cultivars, Burlat, Van, Tragana and Mpakirtzeika, harvested from low (39–59 m), medium (216 m) or high (490–546 m) elevation sites. The effects of storage for 2 or 4 days at 2 °C and 1 day at 20 °C on the fruit antioxidant contents were also evaluated. Tragana and Mpakirtzeika had greater fruit fresh weight (FW) and total soluble solid content compared to Van and Burlat, the latter being the most red colored. Tragana and Burlat had greater total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH extinction, compared to Mpakirtzeika and Van (mean values 204.4 mg vs. 103.7 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g⁻¹ FW, and 176.1 mg vs. 79.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalent 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively). The geographic elevation had a marked influence on the cherry antioxidant content in all studied cultivars, apart from Van, with high elevation orchards producing cherries with greater contents of antioxidant compounds compared to lower elevation orchards. Changes in the antioxidant contents during storage were depended on the cultivar and some times on the orchard elevation. Total antioxidant capacity was significantly correlated with total phenolic content in Tragana, Burlat and Mpakirtzeika, but not in Van; nevertheless this was not the case during storage.     

引进扁桃的品质特性观察

从美国引进的3个扁桃品种,用山桃作砧木,在陕西渭北地区生长旺盛,苗木栽植第3年开始开花结果,5年生平均株产1.78～2.03kg。扁桃3月中下旬开花,果实前期发育较快,至5月中旬果径生长量占总量的80%～90%,后期增长缓慢。Nonpareil品种7月25日～8月5日成熟,Mission品种9月11日～9月15日成熟。成熟种仁饱满,外观品质较好。种仁含粗脂肪49.62%～52.49%,含粗蛋白20.9%～29.0%,含VB11.8～1.91mg/kg,VB24.08～4.62mg/kg。氨基酸及钙、镁等元素含量也较丰富,与我国新疆扁桃主产区产品营养含量相近似。     

Micrografting of almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) cultivars “Ferragnes” and “Ferraduel”

The success of various in vitro micrografting techniques, establishment of the rootstock, size of the microscion, and the effects of culture medium on the grafted seedling development for almond cultivars “Ferragnes” and “Ferraduel” were studied. In vitro germinated wild almond seedlings developed from seeds were used as rootstocks. Shoot culture initiation was successfully achieved from the above almond cultivars by culturing mature shoot tips from forced nodal buds, about 3–5 mm, on 0.7 mg/L BA and 0.01 mg/L NAA containing a MS medium. The regenerated adventitious shoots from in vitro cultures were maintained and proliferated by sub-culturing on a fresh medium every three to 4 weeks. Regenerated shoot tips, which were micrografted onto in vitro seedlings, resulted in the restoration of shoot proliferation. The results indicated that the most successful method for the grafting of tested almond cultivars was slit micrografting. High levels of micrograft take were achieved with all ranges of scions (4–15 mm) obtained from the regenerated shoot tips. Slow growth and lack of axillary shoot development on the micrografts were noticeable when the micrografts were cultured on hormone-free germination medium. In vitro micrografted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and no problems were encountered with the establishment of micrografted plants in vivo. The developed technique has demonstrated a high potential for application in the micropropagation of almond cvs. “Ferragnes” and “Ferraduel” and thereby, represents a feasible method for the renewal of almond orchards in Turkey and elsewhere in the world.     

Cultivar characterization of Aegean olive oils with respect to their volatile compounds

Cultivar characterization of Aegean olive oils (cv. Ayvalik and Memecik) based on their volatile compounds was carried out. The main volatile compounds detected in the Aegean olive oils were the C6 compounds derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids through the lipoxygenase pathway. The C6 aldehydes and C6 alcohols contributing to the green and fruity sensory notes of olive oil were determined in the Aegean olive oils as the major volatile compounds. Significant differences in the levels of hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, 3-ethyl-1,5-octadiene and total compounds from linolenic acid were observed between Ayvalik and Memecik oils (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were applied to process the experimental data. The results of the chemometric analysis revealed that the two cultivars were clearly discriminated on the PC1–PC3 planes and LDA produced a 100% correct group classification.     

Plasticity and stability in the major fatty acid content of almond kernels grown under two Mediterranean climates

Summary

Oil contents and fatty acid compositions were determined in 17 almond cultivars growing under two different Mediterranean conditions, in northeast Spain and in central Morocco. The major differences were irrigation management in Spain and higher temperatures in Morocco. Although a cultivar effect was observed for some compounds, the general trend was for an increase in total oil content [58.65% vs. 55.58% (w/w)] and in the percentage of oleic acid [71.1% vs. 68.62% (w/w)] in those kernels harvested in Spain, probably due to having lower temperatures and better water status. As the total oil content and level of oleic acid in almond oil are the major parameters for higher quality almond kernels, these results emphasise the need to optimise the management of almond orchards to improve kernel quality, not only from the commercial and industrial points of view, but also because of their healthgiving properties.