Bioactive compounds and physicochemical attributes of loquat fruits in Mexico

Abstract

The loquat is a fruit found in some regional markets of Mexico, and information on its quality is limited. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of loquat fruit pulp produced in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Veracruz were evaluated. The fresh weight (fw) of the fruits was about 15 g. The acidity of the pulp showed variations between 0.60 and 0.93%. The Total soluble solids values were between 14.5 and 17.3 °Bx. The concentration of total phenols was 3.5 mg g-1dw, and the flavonoids represented 62% of the bioactive compounds. The content of carotenes was higher in fruits from the State of Mexico (75.4 µg EβC g-1dw) that achieved the largest fruit size. In the ABTS and FRAP assays, Veracruz fruits had the highest antioxidant capacity but the smaller fruit size. The total sugar mean content was 6.8% fw. In general, the loquat fruit was of commercial small size, and in the tropical conditions of Veracruz attained high phenolic contents.