Main composition of Physalis (Physalis pubescensL.) fruit juice from Egypt

Abstract

Main composition of Physalis (Physalis pubescens L.) fruit juice from Egypt. Abstract — Introduction. Physalis has been known for a long time in Egypt. Among unexploited tropical fruits, Physalis is a very promising fruit. Recently, the economic importance of Physalis has risen, due to its high acceptance for local consumption, achieving great success in the African, Latin American and European markets. One of the challenges of recent years has been to participate in the development of Physalis as a commercial crop of economic utility. In order to understand the nutra- ceutical and medicinal characteristics of Physalis fruits cultivated in Egypt, the biochemical compo- sition of the raw Physalis pubescens juice was determined. Materials and methods. Whole fresh fruits of Physalis pubescens from Egypt were preserved at - 20 °C for the duration of the experiment. The juice was extracted from Physalis fruits by using a fruit pulper then filtered on cheesecloth to separate seeds and skins. Contents of oil, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, sugars and minerals of the juice were analyzed, and were compared and discussed in relation to the biochemical composition of other fruits and vegetable oils. Results. Yield of the juice was high (64%) and it is a rich source of minerals such as potassium (11.32 g·100 g -1 dm), phosphorus (5.55 g·100 g -1 dm), zinc (0.02 g·100 g -1 dm) and boron (0.01 g·100 g -1 dm), polyphenols (76.6 mg·100 mL -1 ) and carotenoids (70 µg·mL -1 ). It contained good amounts of vitamin C (38.77 mg·100 mL -1 ) and it could be a good potential source of essential amino acids such as isoleucine, valine and tryptophan ((4.2, 3.9 and 3.9) g·100 g -1 protein), whose amounts were higher than those recommended by the FAO / WHO / UNU. Additionally, it contains a low amount of oil (1.1 g·100 g -1 dm). Conclusion. Physalis juice should attract great inte- rest because of its composition. Its potential nutraceutical quality could participate in the development of Physalis as a commercial crop. Certain molecules such as antimicrobial molecules and bioactive withanolides, which have the famous ethnomedical and medical effects of Physalis juice, still have to be studied. Egypt / Physalis pubescens / fruits / proximate composition / mineral content / protein content / lipid content / carotenoids / ascorbic acid / polyphenols