Abstract
The composition of commercial marrons from three Italian sweet chestnut ecotypes, 'Marrone di Castel del Rio', 'Marrone di Marradi', and 'Marrone di Valle Castellana', from Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Abruzzi region respectively, was studied during two years (2003-2004). The average content in nutrients were in the average range for Italian chestnuts but compositional data showed great variability both as a function of ecotype and year of harvest. Marrone di Valle Castellana resulted the ecotype with the highest content in sucrose and sugars and the lowest content of starch and calcium. Marrone di Castel del Rio presented the highest mineral content and the lowest lipid content. Among the three ecotypes, significant differences in fibre were not found. The content in antioxidants and the antioxidant activity of the nuts were investigated. All the ecotypes showed a low content in polyphenols but a high ascorbic acid level that accounted for a discreet antioxidant activity of the nuts.
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