Antioxidant Properties of the Native Khechechuri Pear from Western Georgia

Tamara Gabour Sad,Indira Djafaridze,Maia Vanidze,Aleko Kalandia,Claus Jacob,Katarina Smilkov

doi:10.3390/sci3010010

Tamara Gabour Sad, Indira Djafaridze + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/sci3010010

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Abstract

Khechechuri is an endemic species of a pear spread over one region of Western Georgia, called Adjara. Pears are a dietary source of bioactive components such as polyphenols and triterpenic acid. In addition to highlighting its gastronomic value, the aim of the article was to examine and compare phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activities in Khechechuri collected from various villages in the Adjara region, namely Adjaristskali, Merisi, Dandalo, Shuakhevi, and Khulo. Five parts of the fruit, the skin, edible pulp, whole pear (skin + pulp), juice, and pomace, were analyzed and the results compared. Our study indicated that the highest total phenolic content was found in the skin of West Georgian pear types (4650 mg/kg.) Moreover, the pomace showed significant amounts of total phenolic content in each of the Khechechuri samples analyzed. Flavonoids were found in each part of the Khechechuri pears, with the notable exception of the fruit juice. A positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the geographical altitude of where the fruits were collected was observed.

Highlights

Accepted: 22 January 2021Pears are fruits which are widespread across the Globe and have been used in human diet for centuries
The Khechechuri pear is an endemic type of pear, Pyrus communis L., found only in the region of Adjara in Georgia and is very much appreciated for its delicious fruit
The goal of the present work is to assess the antioxidant properties of this endemic type of pear, in terms of examining and comparing the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activities

Summary

Introduction

Pears are fruits which are widespread across the Globe and have been used in human diet for centuries. Being rich in various macro-, micronutrients, and biologically active compounds, pears represent an important part of the human diet worldwide [1,2]. The Caucasus is a mountain region with extremely diversified natural conditions. The centers of diversity of the sub-endemic genera are found especially in Georgia, with its Geographical isolation with respect to longitude, latitude and altitude as an important factor in the formation and evolution of the Caucasian flora generated by three-dimensional landscape structure of the mountains [3]. The Khechechuri pear is an endemic type of pear, Pyrus communis L., found only in the region of Adjara in Georgia and is very much appreciated for its delicious fruit

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