Phenolic content and antioxidant activities of selected potato varieties and their processing by-products

Abstract

The total content of free, esterified and bound phenolics of the peel and flesh of four potato varieties (Purple, Innovator, Russet and Yellow) were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The respective antioxidant activities of these potatoes and/or their skins were evaluated using several in vitro assays. The phenolic profiles of potato peel and flesh samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Bound and esterified phenolics contributed as much or even more than the free phenolics to the antioxidant activity of the peels; extracts from Purple variety showing the highest activity. The peels of all varieties showed significantly (p<0.05) higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities than their respective flesh. Chromatographic data showed differences in the amounts, but not in types, of phenolic compounds in the potato peel samples. Thus, potato processing discard may be used in food formulations and their extracts could potentially be employed as an effective source of antioxidants in food systems.