Determination of physicochemical parameters, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of wild cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) from the walnut-fruit forests of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Wild fruits and berries from the walnut-fruit forests of Kyrgyzstan may hold nutritional and health benefits for humans. Since information on their nutritional value is scarce, physical properties and nutritional value of naturally occurring red, black, and yellow cherry plum fruits (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) were evaluated. The wild cherry plums featured moisture contents between 81.07 and 85.87%, reducing sugar contents of 6.83–8.42%, alimentary fiber of 0.78–1.38%, ash contents of 0.48–0.74%, acidity levels of 0.97–2.31%, and ascorbic acid concentrations of 16.00–30.25 mg/100 g. The total phenolic concentrations of wild cherry plum fruits was determined at 177–365 mg/100 g expressed as gallic acid equivalents. The black wild cherry plum contained the highest amounts of polyphenols and anthocyanins among the analyzed samples as well as the domesticated Prunus varieties. The essential mineral profile indicated that zinc (Zn) featured the lowest concentrations with 0.05–0.18 mg/100 g, while potassium (K) was the most abundant mineral at 127.97–188.74 mg/100 g in all cherry plum samples. 100 g fresh wild cherry plum can contribute up to 26.4% of iron (Fe) to recommended dietary allowance. All these results indicate that wild cherry plum fruits can be beneficial for human nutrition. The determination of physical attributes and chemical composition of these fruits is essential to facilitate the establishment of product standards and to further promote the use of these products in the food industry.