Bioactive and Volatile Compounds in Sweet Cherry Cultivars

Abstract

The organoleptic and nutritive quality of sweet cherry is largely influenced by the genotype. Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, organic acids, sugars and volatile compounds of seven sweet cherry cultivars (Lory, Burlat, Brooks, Summit, Prime Giant, Van, and 57) grown in Alicante (Spain) were evaluated. The most important organic acid was malic acid and fructose and glucose were found in greater quantity in the sweet cherry cultivars. The cultivars with the highest antioxidant activity were Burlat and Brooks, very important from a health point of view. Regarding volatile compounds thirty one were isolated having Van the highest contents. 57, and Burlat sweet cherry genotypes were the most interesting with respect to “health benefits”. However, if the most important factor is “organoleptic quality” (combination of dark red colour and intense flavor), our recommendations are Van, 57, and Prime Giant.