Abstract
Quali-quantitative analyses of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds performed with the use of liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry, were evaluated in juice of pomegranate fruits (‘Dente di Cavallo’), in relation to different light exposures (North, South, West and East). A total of 16 compounds were identified, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, and anthocyanins, known for their health-promoting effects. Striking differences were observed about the total phenolic content, which was high in juices from fruits with east- and north-facing position, while it was lower in juices facing south. The greatest contents of total flavonoids and anthocyanins were recorded in fruit juices with southern exposure; however, there are no great differences in the content in phenolic acids. Tannins were mainly synthesized in fruit juices with West exposure. The results showed that the position within the tree had no significant effects on color juice, however, it significantly (p < 0.05) affected data on fruit weight, soluble sugars and juice yield. Remarkable synergies existed among polyphenols and phytochemicals in pomegranate juice, but collecting fruits with different solar exposure could enhance different health benefits, i.e., the juices with higher polyphenols content could have more anticancer effect or those with higher tannins content could have more antimicrobial effect.
Highlights
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) trees are cultivated worldwide in subtropical and tropical regions
This work aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between light of solar radiation on the accumulation of total phenolic content, flavonoids and hydrolysable tannins during fruit ripening
The values of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) recorded in PJs are greater than those reported in Sicilian pomegranate juices by Todaro et al [39], which ranged from 0.95 to 3.10 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE) L−1, but are similar to the other data reported in literature [41,42]
Summary
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) trees are cultivated worldwide in subtropical and tropical regions. Among the largest countries producers are Iran, India, USA, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Chile, and Spain [1]. The crop is known since ancient time, for its nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental importance [2]. Spain and Italy are the main European producers. In Italy, pomegranate fruits production amounts to around 60,000 tons per year, and the best producers are the Apulia and Sicily regions. The most cultivated varieties are Dente di Cavallo, Mollar, Acco, and Wonderfull [3]
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