Abstract
The present study investigated for the first time some physical quality attributes of unripe Citrus x myrtifolia Rafinesque which is the ingredient of the popular soft drink Chinotto. Samples for analysis were processed to better reproduce the crude materials used for industrial chinotto extract, discarding part of the juice. Fruit bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, chlorophylls, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity were estimated. An important nutritional aspect arose from the data presented was the high concentration of flavonoids (780 mg/100 g FW) and vitamin C (42 mg/100 g FW). A good antioxidant capacity (5872 µM Trolox equivalents/100 g FW) was estimated by oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). This matrix could be considered as a good nutraceutical source, giving new opportunity to citrus industry.
Highlights
The Citrus × myrtifolia Raf. is a citrus fruit of the genus Citrus
The present study investigated for the first time some physical quality attributes of unripe Citrus × myrtifolia Rafinesque which is the ingredient of the popular soft drink Chinotto
It’s well known that phenolic contents were usually higher in peels [18] and in immature fruits [3], it is not entirely surprising that this flavonoids amount was more and more high to what reported for chinotto juice; literature data reported values of total juice flavonoids ranging from 57.4 mg/L [3] and about 2000 mg/L [2]
Summary
The Citrus × myrtifolia Raf. is a citrus fruit of the genus Citrus. Native of southern China, its origin has not been exactly ascertained; probably it is mutation of sour orange that eventually evolved into the species known today [1]. The plant was cultivated for centuries in France and Italy [1], especially in Liguria, Calabria and Sicily where the fruits are used in sweets for candies and jams as well as flavoring syrups, soft drinks and spirits. In Italy the plant has given its name to a very popular Italian drink Chinotto, flavored with Citrus × myrtifolia extract. Its ingredients are regulated at the legislative level by a Decree of President of the Republic (DPR n.719 of 1958 May 19, Article 5 and subsequently amends) which specifies that the soft drinks sold under the name of a not juice fruit, including cedar and chinotto, should be prepared with substances derived from the fruit or the plant
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