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 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.     

The genotypic effects on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries grown in Turkey

In this study, chemical composition of berries of 10 sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) genotypes in Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic content of the berries ranged from 21.31 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry weight basis to 55.38 mg GAE per g. The highest antioxidant activity was 93.54% (similar to the standard BHT at 200 mg/L) and the lowest was 80.38%. There was no correlation (R = 0.688) between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. The major fatty acids in berries were palmitoleic acid (35.48%), followed by palmitic acid (28.13%), oleic acid (22.89%) and linoleic acid (3.96%). Total soluble solid content of sea buckthorn genotypes varied from 10.15 to 14.80%, titratable acidity varied from 2.64 to 4.54%, the pH varied from 2.63 to 2.98 and Vitamin C varied from 19 to 121 mg/100 mL. The average content of minerals in the sea buckthorn berries of different genotypes was 20,800 ppm N, 7100 ppm P, 7260 ppm K, 1960 ppm Ca, 1465 ppm Mg, 32 ppm Zn, 24 ppm Cu, 22 ppm Mn and 7 ppm Fe.     

Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of anthocyanin-rich Morus nigra and Morus rubra fruits

In this study, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of anthocyanin-rich mulberry species of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) and Morus rubra L. (red mulberry) fruits harvested from across Turkey were investigated. Fruit color, total phenolics (TP), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), titratable acidity (TA), and individual sugar and organic acid compositions were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of fruits was assessed by both the trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Black mulberry exhibited higher TP, TMA, TAC and TA when compared to red mulberry. The average TP contents of M. nigra and M. rubra were 2737 and 1603 μg gallic acid equivalent in g fresh weight basis (GAE/g fw), respectively. M. nigra had the richest amount of anthocyanin with an average of 571 μg cy-3-glu/g fw. Overall, TAC averaged 10.5 and 12.0 mmol TE/L by the TEAC and FRAP methods, respectively. We found that FRAP, TEAC, TP and TMA were significantly correlated (r = 0.64–0.99) with each other. Fructose (5.27 g/100 mL) and glucose (5.81 g/100 mL) were determined to be the major sugars in both mulberries. M. nigra displayed a higher TA (2.05 g/100 mL) than M. rubra (0.78 g/100 mL), with citric acid as the major acid.     

Morpho-pomological and chemical characterization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes in Apulia region,Southeastern Italy

A recent increasing demand in Western countries for pomegranate products by consumers is especially supported for the nutritional and medicinal characteristics, due to the antioxidant properties of this fruit. Some studies have been published on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits in some Mediterranean countries, but little information is available about the genotypes present in Italy and in particular in Apulia (Southeastern region of Italy). This study (2008–2009) evaluated morpho-pomological and chemical parameters of eight pomegranate genotypes localized in private small orchards. Significant differences were observed among the pomegranate genotypes for many of the parameters investigated. In particular, fruit weight ranged from 168.9 g (SouMol) to 574.9 g (SouOst), °Brix from 14.7 (ComTri) to 18.0 (SouMol), titratable acidity from 5.4 (ComMol) to 25.0 (SouTri) g/L. SouMol showed the highest polyphenols (97.1 mg/L) and vitamin C (236.3 mg/L) contents. Oil content of the seeds was between 5.90% and 10.30%, no differences have been observed for the fatty acid composition with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers as the most abundant fraction (81.23%). Considering all the evaluated parameters, and especially those referring to the organoleptic characteristics and antioxidants content, it must be stated that the best genotypes worthy to be considered from agricultural and industrial points of view were AdeSgi for fresh market and SouOst for the juice industry.     

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.     

Parameters of inner quality of the apple scab resistant and susceptible apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Individual organic acids and sugars were analysed in the fruits of scab resistant and susceptible apple cultivars. The total sugars ranged between 128.2 and 191.6 g/kg, and the total organic acid between 5.1 and 13.4 g/kg. In the flesh and peels of different apple varieties single phenolics (gallic, protocatehuic, chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acid, phloridzin, epicatechin, catechin, quercitrin and rutin) were analysed together with their total phenolic content (TPC). ‘Golden Delicious’ was the cultivar with the lowest TPC whereas ‘Rubinola’, ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Goldrush’ had the highest level of TPC in the pulp. Peels showed a 2–9 times higher phenolic content than the pulp. ‘Goldrush’ had the highest content of TPC in its peel. The total antioxidant capacity of peels was about 2–5 times higher than respective pulps. Scab resistant apple cultivars had significantly higher content of some single and total phenolic contents in comparison with the scab susceptible, especially the pulp.     

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.     

Quantification of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in sweetpotato genotypes

Phenolic acid composition and antioxidant activity in roots of 14 commercially important sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated. Significant differences in total phenolics, individual phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity were found among the different sweetpotato genotypes. Total phenolic content, expressed in terms of chlorogenic acid equivalent, in different genotypes ranged from 1.4 to 4.7 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW). Antioxidant activity was evaluated as Trolox equivalent, ranging from 1.3 to 4.6 mg g⁻¹ DW. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed in a purple-fleshed genotype. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were the predominant phenolic acids, while caffeic acid was the least abundant in most genotypes. The highest content of chlorogenic acid (422.4 μg g⁻¹ DW) was present in a white-fleshed cultivar ‘Quarter Million’ imported from Jamaica. However, a purple-fleshed genotype had the highest amounts of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic (485.6 μg g⁻¹ DW), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic (125.6 μg g⁻¹ DW), 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic (284.4 μg g⁻¹ DW), and caffeic (20.5 μg g⁻¹ DW) acids.     

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.     

Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of orange (Citrus sinensis (l.) Osbeck cv. Salustiana) juice produced under organic and integrated farming system in Greece

Organically and integrated produced orange (Citrus sinensis (l.) Osbeck cv. Salustiana) fruits were assayed in terms of fruit characteristics and juice phytochemicals over a period of two years. Fruit size and juice volume were higher under organic farming system. There were not any significant differences concerning either the carbohydrates’ or organic acids’ concentrations of the juice. Similar results were obtained concerning the total phenol, the total o-diphenol and the total flavonoid concentration of the juice, while neither hesperidin nor narirutin differentiated significantly. However, β-carotene concentration was detected in higher concentration in organically produced fruit (0.43 mg L⁻¹). Juice extracted from both integrated and organically produced fruits exhibited similar antioxidant capacity values (based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays), while correlation analysis revealed the significant contribution of phenolic compounds to antioxidant capacity (r = 0.75–0.86). Most of the amino acids determined were quantified in similar concentration in the juice of both organic and integrated produced fruits (approximately 1600 mg L⁻¹). The present results indicate that integrated oranges cv Salustiana, under the cultivation management implemented in this experiment, present similar antioxidant and nutritional values to the organically produced ones.     

Effects of cultivar and rootstock on the antioxidant content and physical characters of clingstone peaches

A study was conducted to investigate the variability in the fruit antioxidant content and physical characters of six clingstone cultivars and three breeding selections of peach grafted on three rootstocks. The parameters measured were fruit weight, fruit and stone dimensions, flesh color using CIELAB color variables, total antioxidant activity using the radical DPPH, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, soluble solids and total acid content. Fruit from cultivar PI-E45 had the highest total antioxidant activity (10.7 mg g⁻¹ DW) and total phenolic (6.9 mg g⁻¹ DW) content, which were up to 6.3- and 5.3-fold greater, respectively, compared with the rest studied cultivars. The highest ascorbic acid content was found in Fortuna (7.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) and was up to 1.4-fold greater compared with the rest studied cultivars. A high correlation between AEAC and the phenolic content was found, but not between AEAC and the ascorbic acid content. The largest fruit was harvested in cultivar Andross followed with a descending order by PI-E45, PI-IB42, PI-A37 (seedlings of Andross), Fortuna and Loadel ? Everts and Catherina ? Romea. Changes in the fruit weight were usually according to changes in stone width. The fruit and stone shape differed among the cultivars but not among the rootstocks studied. Effects of rootstock on the fruit antioxidant contents were not pronounced. Nevertheless rootstocks altered the fruit weight since in all cultivars, apart from Romea and Catherina, when grafted on GF 677 produced the largest fruit (mean 186 g) followed by PR204 (mean 176 g) and even smaller by KID1 (mean 161 g). Results from correlation analyses showed that flesh brightness (measured in frozen fruit) may suggest for more nutritional flesh and small sized fruit may contain a redder and less bright colored flesh.     

Characteristics of some almond kernel and oils

The proximate properties, the fatty acid and mineral contents of different almond kernel varieties were determined. The crude protein contents of kernels ranged between 12.7% (guara) and 16.3% (cristomorto). The oil yields from these kernels were established between 48.8% (cristomorto) and 55.7% (ferragnes). The acidity value of oils were found between 1.389 and 3.559%. In addition, peroxide values were established between 7.586 (nonpareil) and 15.590 mequiv./kg (cristomorto). The major fatty acids of almond kernel oils were oleic (72.5–79.9%), linoleic (13.5–19.8%) and palmitic acids (5.9–6.7%). The predominant mineral in most kernel was potassium (13.1–15.1 mg/100 g). The mineral contents of the kernels were established as 7.94–9.38 mg/100 g potassium, 2.9–4.0 mg/100 g magnesium and 1.84–2.94 mg/100 g calcium. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the kernels of almond varieties are being potential sources of valuable oil which might be used for edible and other industrial applications.     

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.     

Phenotypic and Bioactive Diversity on Medlar Fruits (Mespilus germanica L.)

Mespilus germanica, known as the medlar, is a large shrub or small tree. The fruit has been cultivated since Roman times, and is unusual in being available in winter, and in being eaten when bletted.  In this study twelve medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) genotypes were harvested at commercial maturity stage (skin brownish, pulp white, fruit hard) from Rize provinces located eastern black sea region and were analyzed for their some important fruit phenotypic (fruit mass, shape index, fruit firmness, ostiole diameter and fruit flesh ratio) and bioactive characteristics (total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and phenolic compounds). A wide variation among genotypes on most of the searched parameters was found. Fruit mass and flesh ratio varied from 12.3 g (KRD-1) to 23.6 g (KRD-8) and 83.6?% (KRD-2) to 93.0?% (KRD-4) indicating high variability among genotypes. The total phenolic contents of twelve medlar genotypes varied from 157 to 227 mg gallic acid equivalent in 100 g fresh weight basis. Chlorogenic acid, rutin and p-coumaric acid were dominant in medlar fruits.     

Phytochemical accumulation and antioxidant capacity at four maturity stages of cranberry fruit

Specific components of cranberry fruit are being associated with human health attributes, such as maintenance of urinary tract health and antioxidant status. Some of the chemical properties and antioxidant capacity of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. cv. Pilgrim) fruits were investigated at light green, blush, light red and dark red maturation stages. Fruit total phenolics, total monomeric anthocyanins, soluble solids, titratable acidity and individual organic acids were examined. Antioxidant capacity of fruits were determined by both the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. The fruit color was measured using a portable chromameter. A converse relationship was found between total phenolics and anthocyanin as fruits mature. Total phenolic concentration was declined from 7990 to 4745 mg GAE/kg fw, while total monomeric anthocyanin content was increased from 0.8 to 111.0 mg/kg fw from green to dark red stage. Brix was increased from 6 to 9.3% as well. The main organic acid was citric acid determined by the HPLC method. The antioxidant capacity of cranberries decreased to light red stage; when a fruit accumulates more anthocyanin the activity increased again in both FRAP and TEAC methods. Averaged antioxidant capacity measured was 12.61 and 17.48 mmol TE/kg fw by FRAP and TEAC methods.     

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.     

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.     

Antioxidant phytochemicals and gingerol content in diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Fresh rhizomes of 18 diploid and tetraploid genotypes of Indian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental genotypes, were assayed for gingerol content and antioxidant activity. The tetraploid ginger type was derived from the respective diploid ginger by shoot tip culture. [6]-Gingerol was identified as the major pungent phenolic compound in all samples (mean 1354.78 ± 470 μg/g), while [8]- (mean 180.94 ± 45 μg/g) and [10]-gingerol (mean 234 ± 79 μg/g) occurred in lower concentrations. The total gingerol content of the tetraploid type was much higher than that of the respective diploid type and especially the [10]-gingerol. Both diploid and tetraploid types of the cv. Meghalaya Local contained the highest level of gingerol. At both ploidy levels, the genotypes showed significant differences in phenols and antioxidant activities. Correlation of total phenolics with different antioxidant assay at both diploid and tetraploid level was linear and strong to moderate. For genotypes at both ploidy levels, antioxidant activity (BCO) was determined especially by [6]-gingerol while [8]- and [10]-gingerol did not affect BCO. These results demonstrated that in the tetraploid types of ginger, the gingerol content and antioxidant activity were higher than in the diploid ones.     

Some Physicochemical Characteristics,Bioactive Content and Antioxidant Characteristics of Non-Sprayed Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) Fruits from Turkey

Increasing consumer demands for indigenous, non-sprayed with pesticides and less-known or “forgotten” fruits necessitate knowledge on their breeding, cultivation, biochemical content, harvesting and marketing. Anatolia is rich for wild edible fruit species and barberry is abundant throughout Anatolia. The aim of this study was to determine some important physicochemical characteristics, bioactive content and antioxidant capacity of fruits from nineteen promising barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) genotypes grown in the Coruh valley, Northeastern Anatolia. The results indicated genotype-specific differences for most of the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity and the content of some bioactive compounds. Fruit mass ranged from 0.073 (‘Coruh-7’) to 0.267 g (‘Coruh-11’). Total phenolic content ranged from 2532 (‘Coruh-’) to 3719 mg GAE per liter fruit juice (‘Coruh-11’). The genotype ‘Coruh-12’ had the highest total monomeric anthocyanin content (1004 mg per liter fruit juice) as cyanidin-3-glucoside. The highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in fruits of ‘Coruh-8’ and ‘Coruh-9’ genotypes with all three antioxidant-determining methods. We conclude that the barberry fruits represent a good source of bioactive phytochemicals because of their high phenolic and anthocyanin contents.