Abstract
Changes of phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of litchi pericarp during storage at 4 °C for seven days and at room temperature (RT) for 72 h were evaluated in this study. The contents of total phenolic and procyanidin decreased by 20.2% and 24.2% at 4 °C and by 37.8% and 47.8% at RT, respectively. Interestingly, the corresponding reductions of anthocyanins were 41.3% and 73%, respectively. Four phenolic compounds, including epicatechin, procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside-7-O-α-l-rhamnosidase were detected in litchi pericarp. Their contents after storage at 4 °C and at RT were decreased by 22.1–49.7% and 27.6–48.7%, respectively. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of litchi pericarp decreased by 17.6% and 58.7% at 4 °C, and by 23.4% and 66.0% at RT, respectively. The results indicated that storage at 4 °C preserved more phenolics and retained higher antioxidant activity in litchi pericarp compared to storage at RT, suggesting that storage at 4 °C should be considered as a more effective method for slowing down the degradation of litchi pericarp phenolics.
Highlights
IntroductionLitchi, which originates in China, is widely cultivated in warm climates around the world
Litchi, which originates in China, is widely cultivated in warm climates around the world.It has become very popular worldwide due to its special taste and flavor [1]
Our preliminary experiment further revealed that the total phenolic contents and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activity of litchi pericarp decreased by 86.7% and 81%, respectively, after 12 h of piled outdoor storage without any treatment
Summary
Litchi, which originates in China, is widely cultivated in warm climates around the world. It has become very popular worldwide due to its special taste and flavor [1]. In addition to fresh consumption, litchi can be used to manufacture wine, juice, vinegar, and jelly [2,3]. Our preliminary experiment further revealed that the total phenolic contents and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activity of litchi pericarp decreased by 86.7% and 81%, respectively, after 12 h of piled outdoor storage without any treatment. The storage method of litchi pericarp should be convenient and economical, due to the very limited market
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