Description and antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes at different stages of development

Abstract

Semi-arid regions are a source of several high nutritional plant species yet underexplored. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) provides a secure source of nutrients and antioxidants for human consumption. This study aimed to describe and assess the antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes in different development stages. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme with six replications: two cultivars (Gigante and Redonda) and four development stages (1 – cladodes of 4.0 to 8.0 cm; 2 – 8.01 to 12.0 cm; 3 – 12.01 to 16.0; and 4 – 16.01 to 20.0 cm). Diameter, fresh mass, and yield increased significantly according to the cladode stages, especially in the Redonda cultivar, while protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents decreased with advanced stages on both cultivars. The highest chlorophylls, carotenoids, and flavonoid contents were obtained at the third and fourth stages in the Gigante cultivar. The highest total phenols were obtained at the first and second stages also in the Gigante cultivar. Ascorbic acid content increased according to the stages in both cultivars, and antioxidant capacity was higher in dry mass when compared to fresh mass. Prickly pears cladodes are suitable for the human diet at any stage of development. However, due to the concentrations of compounds with antioxidant properties, the third and fourth stages are recommended for fresh consumption.