Some physico-chemical and functional attributes of six indigenous apricot genotypes from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study was conducted to investigate some physico-chemical and functional attributes of six apricot genotypes (i.e. Halman, Jahangir, Marghulam, Shakanda, Shirini and Yagoo) indigenous to the agro-climate of Gilgit-Baltistan. Proximate composition (dry matter, protein, fat, fiber, sugars and ash), biochemical characteristics (TSS, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, carotenoids and antioxidant activity), mineral contents and technological traits were evaluated. The data revealed a rich nutritional and functional composition in terms of sugars (38.63-68.59%), fiber (7.06-10.36%), ascorbic acid (57.50-75.02 mg/100g), total phenolics (4376-7123 mg GAE/100g), carotenoids (19.61-50.12 mg s-carotene/100g) and a significant antioxidant potential in the tested cultivars on dry weight basis. Mineral composition showed potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and iron as the major, while zinc, manganese, nickel and copper as the minor elements in apricot. Some pomological properties of fruit were also determined to be vital traits of consumer acceptance and industrial significance. The varietal comparison revealed Halman and Shakanda as the most promising varieties for functional and compositional attributes.