Comparative study of bioactive components in pear genotypes from Ardahan/Turkey

Abstract

In this study, 10 pear genotypes (İncir, Bal, Nene, Kabak, Banda, Kırmızı, İmlahor, Baraka, Limon and Güğüm), which grow in the Ardahan region, were evaluated for their total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, brixº, pH, titratable acidity, total ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity. According to the results, the pear genotypes used in this study had a high brixº content, high phenolic, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents, as well as high antioxidant activity. It was determined that ‘Bal’ pear had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. In ‘Nene’ and ‘Incir’ pears, the quantity of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin, as well as the antioxidant activity were less than those in the other genotypes. Correlations between brixº and pH, acidity and pH, peel phenolic content and flesh phenolic content, flesh ascorbic acid content and peel phenolic content, peel antioxidant activity and flesh phenolic content, were found to be significant. As a conclusion, due to the high levels of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in pears, it is suggested to consume those fruits, especially with their peels. The results from this study will provide new insights into farming, fresh fruit consumption, industrial food processing and future research studies.