Edible Aril Research Articles

Biochemical profiling and byproduct utilization of Garcinia aril

Garcinia gummi-gutta, commonly known as Malabar Tamarind, is a fruit crop of significant economic value, extensively grown in the southern regions of the Western Ghats. The economically valuable part is the fruit peel or rind, which is used as a seasoning in its dried form, imparting a distinct flavour and taste to food preparations. During processing of the rind, the edible aril, a whitish pulp attached to the seed, is discarded. The aril of G. gummi-gutta fruits has a unique flavour with a sweet-acidic blend. Biochemical profiling of the aril is essential for developing food products with enhanced nutritional benefits. The present study reports the quantification of its biochemical components. Identification and quantification of various sugars and acids were performed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Fructose (47.44 mg/g) emerged as the predominant sugar, while Hydroxy Citric Acid (522.99 mg/g) was identified as the principal organic acid. Biochemical profiling of the aril revealed its potential for functional food development. The aril contained significant amounts of Hydroxy Citric Acid (2.64 %), known for anti-obesity properties, along with calcium (756.67 ppm), potassium 649.52 ppm, phenols 382.25 mg GAE/g , flavonoids 6.58 mg QE/g, and exhibited 87.32 % antioxidant activity. Ready-to-serve blended fruit beverages were developed using the pulp of G. gummi-gutta aril combined with pomegranate, watermelon or dragon fruit juice. Sensory analysis indicates higher consumer acceptance and enhanced nutritional qualities. The utilisation of G. gummi-gutta byproducts can contribute to food product diversification, providing innovative options for novel products with enhanced taste and health benefits.

Anthocyanin physiology and biochemistry in fleshy fruit species: Mangosteen as a model

AbstractMangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a popular, common tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asian countries. The pericarp contains a high anthocyanin content and various other bioactive compounds that are associated with medicinal and pharmaceutical properties. In marked contrast, the white edible aril contains no anthocyanins. The anthocyanins are the major pigments in the pericarp and produce red‐to‐purple coloration, which serves as a maturity index when fruit are ripe. The major anthocyanins consist mainly of cyanidin‐sophoroside and cyanidin‐glucoside. The synthesis of anthocyanin in mangosteen involves the coordinated expression of many genes with at least eight genes encoding enzymes and three transcription factors having been identified. Ripening‐induced anthocyanin accumulation is regulated by endogenous ethylene that controls the expression of key genes. Comparisons are made between anthocyanin synthesis in mangosteen and other fruit species under various conditions including light and temperature and the influence of plant growth regulators.

МОРФОЛОГО-АНАТОМИЧЕСКИЕ И РАЗМЕРНО-ВЕСОВЫЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ, НАКОПЛЕНИЕ СУХОГО ВЕЩЕСТВА В ФРУКТИФИКАЦИЯХ ТИСОВ (TAXUS L.), ИНТРОДУЦИРОВАННЫХ В МОСКОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Many plants that are potential producers of medicinal substances, including antitumor substances, are used in landscaping. Taxus L. is one of the such plants. Their fructifications are not only medicinal, but also edible. The aim of the article is to identify of the most promising species of yews for accumulation of dry matter in arils and seeds, as the medicinal and food plants, in the conditions of Moscow region. Morphology-anatomical structure of fructifications of three yew species was studied: T. baccata, T. × media and T. canadensis, their size-weight characteristics and dry matter content were revealed. The fructifications of the studied species are morphologically similar to each other. The fructifications, arils and seeds of T. × media and T. baccata are larger than those of T. canadensis, have a high mass and air-dry matter content. The total dry matter content in fructifications of T. baccata is 32%, in T. × media – 35%, in T. canadensis – 63%; seeds account for 7%, 8% and 45%, respectively, and arils – 25%, 27% and 18%. Based on the dry matter content of fructifications and/or seeds, T. canadensis seems to be more promising among the species studied. If edible aril is considered as a part of the fructification that is promising for food use, T. baccata and T. × media may be favoured.

Consumption of carotenoid-rich Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac) aril improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetic mice partially through taste receptor type 1 mediated glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion.

Incretin-based therapies are widely used to improve glycemic control and β cell dysfunction in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac fruit), a nutritious melon cultivated in many regions, has underexplored health benefits, particular its edible aril. This study comprehensively investigates the stimulatory effect of Gac aril on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion, identifies the responsible active constituents, and explores the underlying mechanisms related to its anti-diabetic effects. GLP-1-secreting STC-1 intestinal L cells were used to assess bioactivity and molecular mechanisms. Additionally, the in vivo anti-diabetic effects of Gac aril consumption were evaluated using type 2 diabetic mice induced by a high fat diet and streptozotocin injection, with or without GLP-1 receptor expression. The results demonstrated that Gac pulp and aril stimulated GLP-1 secretion, while Gac seeds did not. β-Carotene, a major constituent of Gac aril, was identified as the key mediator of GLP-1 secretion via sweet taste receptor-mediated signaling in STC-1 cells. Dietary intake of Gac aril significantly improved fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and hemoglobin A1c in type 2 diabetic mice. GLP-1 levels increased 2-fold, and decreased levels of ghrelin and adiponectin were restored. The anti-diabetic effects were partially diminished in GLP-1 receptor knockout mice, suggesting Gac aril's effects are mediated, in part, through GLP-1. In conclusion, Gac aril consumption may provide health benefits for managing type 2 diabetes, partially by enhancing endogenous GLP-1 levels.

An Overview of the Health Benefits, Extraction Methods and Improving the Properties of Pomegranate.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich edible food and medicinal plant of ancient origin, containing flavonols, anthocyanins, and tannins, with ellagitannins as the most abundant polyphenols. In the last decades, its consumption and scientific interest increased, due to its multiple beneficial effects. Pomegranate is a balausta fruit, a large berry surrounded by a thick colored peel composed of exocarp and mesocarp with edible arils inside, from which the pomegranate juice can be produced by pressing. Seeds are used to obtain the seed oil, rich in fatty acids. The non-edible part of the fruit, the peel, although generally disposed as a waste or transformed into compost or biogas, is also used to extract bioactive products. This review summarizes some recent preclinical and clinical studies on pomegranate, which highlight promising beneficial effects in several fields. Although further insight is needed on key aspects, including the limited oral bioavailability and the role of possible active metabolites, the ongoing development of suitable encapsulation and green extraction techniques enabling the valorization of waste pomegranate products point to the great potential of pomegranate and its bioactive constituents as dietary supplements or adjuvants in therapies of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Acidification and Types of Solvent on Anthocyanin Yield, Total Phenols, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Activity and Colour Values of Extracts from Mangosteen Pericarp (Garcinia mangostana L.)

Background: Anthocyanin is a natural pigment with potential application in the textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), the ‘Queen of fruits’ is famous for its nutritious edible aril. The mangosteen pericarp is rich in anthocyanin and can be utilized as a natural colorant with health benefits. There is a need to standardize easier methods for the efficient extraction of anthocyanin from mangosteen pericarp so that it can be effectively utilized in food industry. Materials: The pericarp of ripe mangosteen fruits were dried, pulverized and the anthocyanin was extracted by hot maceration with distilled water (aqueous extraction) and ethanol as solvents, acidified at different levels with citric acid (0.1% and 0.2%) and acetic acid (1% and 2%). The anthocyanin yield, total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity and colour values of the concentrated extracts were determined. Result: Acidification of the solvent medium increased the extraction efficiency of anthocyanin pigment from mangosteen pericarp. The hot maceration with 50% ethanol acidified at 2% acetic acid contributed the highest yield for anthocyanin, total phenols and flavonoids with 82.68% antioxidant activity and exhibited good colour values. This anthocyanin pigment can be utilized as a safe natural colorant for the development of functional foods.

Distribution of fluopyram and tebuconazole in pomegranate tissues and their risk assessment

Residue distribution of fluopyram and tebuconazole was assessed in pomegranate whole fruit, aril, outer peel (pericarp), inner peel (mesocarp) and leaves. The method LOQ of fluopyram and tebuconazole were 0.01 and 0.02 mg kg−1, respectively. Both fungicides remained in fruit peel and residues in edible aril were < LOQ. In fruit peel major portion of the fungicides remained on pericarp with minimal movement to mesocarp. In mesocarp fluopyram was 5.7–14.2%; tebuconazole, 7.5–14.4% of the residues in pericarp. Terminal residues of fluopyram and tebuconazole in pomegranate whole fruit were 0.037–0.094 and 0.036–0.096 mg kg−1. Half-life of fluopyram in pomegranate fruit and leaves were 7.3–9.1 and 15 days; tebuconazole, 8–10.3 and 11.2–12.6 days, respectively. Pre-harvest intervals for treatment of combination formulation of fluopyram and tebuconazole, were 47–59 days in fruits, 158–173 in leaves. Dietary risk assessment demonstrated that consumption of peel and leaves may pose risk to human health, whereas fruit consumption was considered safe.

Effects of nitrogen fertilization on pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization influences plant growth and yield, and may also affect fruit quality. For two consecutive seasons, we examined the effects of various N fertilization levels-5 to 200 mg L-1 -on pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality. Evaluations included fruit and aril weight, size and color, appearance of peel blemishes, internal black rot and nutritional composition of extracted juices. Nitrogen fertilization affected pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality. The most pronounced effects were observed in trees grown under the lowest N fertilization level, which bore smaller fruit and arils, the latter with lighter color; the fruit suffered from sunburn, and the juice had lower total soluble solid, acidity and anthocyanin contents. The proportion of edible aril weight per total fruit weight gradually increased with an increase in N fertilization concentration. In contrast, N fertilization did not affect peel color, roughness or cracking incidence. Black rot incidence increased with increasing N concentration. Nitrogen fertilization affected pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality, and the total number of marketable fruits per tree. The optimal N fertilization levels, which were most beneficial for achieving high-quality marketable fruit, were between 40 and 100 mg L-1 . © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Carotenoid Composition of Cionosicyos macranthus Fruit

A complete determination of the carotenoid composition of the edible aril and mesocarp of Cionosicyos macranthus fruit is reported for the first time. The carotenoids present in the fruit were identified and quantified using high-purity carotenoid standards. The fruit contained several rare carotenoids like zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and cryptocapsin epoxides. Various keto-κ end-ring carotenoids, derivatives of their corresponding epoxides, ie cryptocapsin, capsanthin, capsanthin 5,6-epoxide, and capsoneoxanthin, were also identified. The total carotenoid contents for the aril and mesocarp were 226.0 μg/g and 83.4 µg/g, respectively. β-Cryptoxanthin was the most abundant carotenoid in both edible parts (58.3 μg/g in the aril and 29.5 μg/g in the mesocarp). Cryptocapsin was the primary keto-κ end-ring carotenoid both in the aril (41.6 μg/g) and in the mesocarp (13.2 μg/g). The fruit provitamin A activity was also determined. Considering the high β-cryptoxanthin and cryptocapsin contents, C. macranthus can be considered a good source of provitamin A carotenoids.

Lychee-Associated Hypoglycaemic Encephalopathy: A New Disease of Children Described in India

Fruits of lychee tree (Litchi sinensis), extensively horticultured in India, China and many other countries, are delicious and possess many nutritious and medicinal properties. In India and other Asian countries, in lychee harvest season, outbreaks have been occurring of rapidly developing hypoglycaemia, encephalopathy, seizures and cerebral oedema in young children when they ingest lychee fruit arils in large numbers on empty stomach. It has been shown that the acute neurological illness is hypoglycaemic encephalopathy, caused by the actions of hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG), the non-protein l-amino acids present in the edible arils of lychee fruits. Both HGA and MCPG phytotoxins are known to disrupt the pathways of β-fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis in human body cells, result in accumulation of many undesirable metabolites of the blocked energy generating pathways, and altogether produced the often fatal hypoglycaemic illness. Here, the related work is summarized and commented upon and prospective genetical interventions in Litchi sinensis to eradicate the problem are outlined. Toxin-deficient lychee genotypes need to be developed by screening of germplasm accessions, and use of conventional and new site-directed mutagenesis technique of plant breeding. Lychee trees that produce super-toxin-rich (× 10 average toxin concentration) fruits are required to be identified and tagged to stop consumption of their fruits. New plantings must use toxin-deficient (low-toxin) lychee genotypes.

Swarm motility inhibitory and antioxidant activities of pomegranate peel processed under three drying conditions

During processing of ready-to-eat fresh fruits, large amounts of peel and seeds are discarded as waste. Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) peels contain high amounts of bioactive compounds which inhibit migration of Salmonella on wet surfaces. The metabolic distribution of bioactives in pomegranate peel, inner membrane, and edible aril portion was investigated under three different drying conditions along with the anti-swarming activity against Citrobacter rodentium. Based on the multivariate analysis, 29 metabolites discriminated the pomegranate peel, inner membrane, and edible aril portion, as well as the three different drying methods. Punicalagins (∼38.6–50.3mg/g) were detected in higher quantities in all fractions as compared to ellagic acid (∼0.1–3.2mg/g) and punicalins (∼0–2.4mg/g). The bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-swarming) and phenolics content was significantly higher in peels than the edible aril portion. Natural anti-swarming agents from food waste may have promising potential for controlling food borne pathogens.

Profiling of Short Chain Fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) of Two Ackee (Blighia sapida Köenig) Varieties Through Different Maturation and Ripening Stages

Background: During maturation and ripening, fruits undergo numerous biochemical reactions by either accumulating or degrading different metabolites. Most fruits accumulate sugars during maturation and ripening. Method: This study investigates the profile of short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) of two ackee fruit varieties (Blighia sapida Köenig). scFOS of arils (edible) and husk (non-edible) of “cheese” and “butter” varieties were profiled during five different maturation and ripening stages using HPAEC-PAD. Results: Results showed that in arils, glucose increased by 0.6 and 2.7 folds in “cheese” and “butter” varieties, respectively, while fructose variation averaged 20% in arils during maturation. In arils, sucrose increased progressively during maturation by 1.3 to 1.7 folds in both varieties. Surprisingly, three scFOS (1-kestose, nystose and DP-5) have been identified and their contents were variable, but DP5 content was lower in the husk. In the two arils varieties, total saccharides increased significantly during maturation and ripening; however, in the husk, total saccharides increased and then decreased during the last three stages. Total scFOS increased during the first two stages and decreased during the last three stages. Surprisingly, saccharides to scFOS ratio increased in arils during maturation and ripening in the two varieties, while in the husk, the ratio showed a decrease at stage three. Conclusion: Results indicate that more saccharides were accumulated during the last maturation stages, while scFOS accumulated in the first stages. Results also indicate that the edible arils accumulate more carbohydrates than the husks..

The Improvement of Texture and Quality of Minimally Processed Litchi Fruit Using Various Calcium Salts

The efficacies of three calcium salts at different concentrations (0.5–3%) and temperatures (4, 25 and 50C) were studied to improve texture and quality of litchi arils cv. “Jugkapat.” A peroxyacetic acid was used as sanitizer in pre- (100 mg/L, 3 min) and post-deseeding steps (50 mg/L, 1 min). The arils were immersed in 1% calcium chloride, 2% calcium propionate at 25C and 2% calcium lactate at 50C had the best firmness. All calcium salts decreased the respiration rate by 1.5 to 2 folds, reduced juice leakage and delayed microbial growth during 12-day storage at 2 ± 1C. A pink color was developed in calcium lactate treatment. For microstructure study, calcium chloride reinforced the cell wall and maintained the cell turgor better than other two salts. Hence, calcium chloride could be the best salts to maintain texture, quality and extended the shelf-life of litchi arils to 9 days. Practical Applications Minimal process is one of the simple and convenient methods that preserve nutritional value and appearance of which was treated fresh agricultural produce. The minimally processed litchi fruit which was treated with calcium salts in combination with peroxyacetic acid, a sanitizer, had the potential to improve the firmness, prolong quality and shelf-life along with minimum physical damage. One of the major problems is that the whole litchi fruit has a short shelf-life due to the fact that pericarp turns brown within 2–3 days after harvest, resulting in a rejection by the market even though the edible arils still remain in excellent condition. This study presents the alternative method to preserve the litchi arils by minimal processing technology.

Transcriptomic analysis of Litchi chinensis pericarp during maturation with a focus on chlorophyll degradation and flavonoid biosynthesis.

BackgroundThe fruit of litchi (Litchi chinensis) comprises a white translucent edible aril surrounded by a pericarp. The pericarp of litchi has been the focus of studies associated with fruit size, coloration, cracking and shelf life. However, research at the molecular level has been limited by the lack of genomic and transcriptomic information. In this study, an analysis of the transcriptome of litchi pericarp was performed to obtain information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological changes in the pericarp, including those leading to fruit surface coloration.ResultsCoincident with the rapid break down of chlorophyll, but substantial increase of anthocyanins in litchi pericarp as fruit developed, two major physiological changes, degreening and pigmentation were visually apparent. In this study, a cDNA library of litchi pericarp with three different coloration stages was constructed. A total of 4.7 Gb of raw RNA-Seq data was generated and this was then de novo assembled into 51,089 unigenes with a mean length of 737 bp. Approximately 70% of the unigenes (34,705) could be annotated based on public protein databases and, of these, 3,649 genes were significantly differentially expressed between any two coloration stages, while 156 genes were differentially expressed among all three stages. Genes encoding enzymes involved in chlorophyll degradation and flavonoid biosynthesis were identified in the transcriptome dataset. The transcript expression patterns of the Stay Green (SGR) protein suggested a key role in chlorophyll degradation in the litchi pericarp, and this conclusion was supported by the result of an assay over-expressing LcSGR protein in tobacco leaves. We also found that the expression levels of most genes especially late anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were co-ordinated up-regulated coincident with the accumulation of anthocyanins, and that candidate MYB transcription factors that likely regulate flavonoid biosynthesis were identified.ConclusionsThis study provides a large collection of transcripts and expression profiles associated with litchi fruit maturation processes, including coloration. Since most of the unigenes were annotated, they provide a platform for litchi functional genomic research within this species.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1433-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

First Report of Gliocephalotrichum bulbilium Causing Fruit Rot of Posthavest Mangosteen in China.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L., Guttiferae) is a tropical fruit renowned for its pleasant taste, rich nutrition, and medicinal value. Little research about mangosteen diseases during storage and transport has been reported. In June of 2012, fruit rots on mangosteens imported from Thailand were observed in Guangzhou, China. In infected fruits, pericarps showed an increased firmness, were discolored to deep pink, and the edible aril became brown and rotten. In order to search for the etiological agent of this rot symptom, infected mangosteens were analyzed. Diseased mangosteen tissues were surface-sterilized with 70% alcohol, then with 0.1% HgCl2, dipped in sterilized water three times, and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 26°C. The fungi isolated from tissues of the pericarp and aril were similar in morphology and grew rapidly, covering the plate surface (9 mm diameter) after 2 to 3 days of incubation at 26°C. The morphological characters of 10 single-spore isolates were observed. These isolates showed light yellow to light brown fertile colonies on PDA. On corn meal agar (CMA), conidiophores were erect, arising from wide hyphae; they were composed of a basal stipe ending in a penicillate conidiogenous apparatus with directly subtending sterile stipe extensions ranging from 74.5 to 195.0 μm long. Conidia were unicellular, smooth, oblong to elliptical, 6.3 to 8.5 × 2.5 to 3.0 μm, and accumulated in a mucilaginous mass. Chlamydospores were multicellular, dark brown, regular in shape and thick-walled, and 40.0 to 52.5 μm in diameter. On the basis of these morphological characters, these isolates were identified as Gliocephalotrichum bulbilium (2). To confirm the identity of this fungus, genomic DNA of two isolates was extracted, and fragments of ITS region and β-tubulin gene were amplified by PCR, sequenced, and compared with sequences of Gliocephalotrichum species available in NCBI GenBank. Both DNA regions (GenBank Accession Nos. KF716166 and KF716168) had sequence similarities of 99% and 97%, respectively, to other G. bulbilium sequences at GenBank. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on three detached fruits for two isolates. Fruits were inoculated using 5-mm mycelial disks with conidia taken from 3-day-old cultures of G. bulbilium isolate Gb1 and Gb10 grown on PDA. Controls were inoculated with PDA disks only. All treated fruits were kept individually in a humid chamber at 26°C. Tests were repeated twice. Three days after inoculation, white mycelial growth for Gb was observed at inoculation sites. Eight days after inoculation, mycelium of Gb nearly covered the fruit, causing fruit rot, and the pericarp became hard and light in color. The control fruit did not rot. G. bulbilium was re-isolated from diseased plant tissue, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. G. bulbilium has been reported causing postharvest fruit rot of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and guava (Psidium guajava) in some locations (3,4). Moreover, the fungus caused cranberry fruit rot in the United States (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. bulbilium causing postharvest fruit rot of mangosteen in China. It is uncertain whether the fungus infected mangosteen in Thailand and was carried to China due to commercial relationship.

Ackee (Blighia sapida) Fruit Arils: Nutritional, Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Properties

The limited information on the health and nutritional benefits of edible arils of the ackee (Blighia sapida) tree makes it underutilized in West Africa. This study was to investigate the nutrient content, total phenols, antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of freeze and oven dried ackee arils. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocol whereas antioxidant activity and total phenol content was determined using the DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The minerals content was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate and energy content were in the range of 4.83-5.20%, 51.60-56.66%, 10.94-11.67%, 3.63-3.88%, 8.01-8.56%, 14.41-20.62% and 590.67-614.26 kcal/100g, respectively. The ackee arils also contained appreciable minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Zn) with K (425.10-475.71 mg/100g) being the highest while Zn (1.95-2.08 mg/100g) was the least mineral. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins and glycosides in the arils. The total phenolic content was 5235.04±103.9 and 5175.38±178.46 mg GAE/100g in oven-dried and freeze-dried samples, respectively. The vitamin C content was 29.6 and 35.7 mg/100 g whereas antioxidant activity was 66.0 and 29.4 % DPPH inhibition (with trolox equivalence of 91.0±9.4 and 40.6±0.6 µM TE/g) in the oven and freeze dried ackee arils, respectively. Drying method had effect on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the ackee flour sample. The findings suggest that ackee aril had considerable total phenols content and antioxidant activity, which implies that the fruit aril has the potential for application in food systems to maintain food quality.

PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION OF GAC (MOMORDICA COCHINCHINENSIS SPRENG.), A GREENHOUSE CASE STUDY

SUMMARYGreater cultivation of the underutilised Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis, by poorly resourced householders and farmers would potentially improve livelihoods, and, on a larger scale, meet the increasing demand for Gac as a health product. Cultivation methods need to be developed to suit small- and large-scale production and must consider the unpredictable ratio of male to female plants grown from seed, and slow growth induced by cool temperatures. In this study, we examined the responses of Gac to propagation and protected cropping techniques to identify potential methods for increasing production. Plants germinated from seed in seed-raising mix under warm and humid conditions were grown hydroponically to maturity in a climate-controlled greenhouse during a temperate winter, producing fruits that were harvested ripe, from 44 weeks after sowing. Cuttings taken from female plants were dipped in indole-3-butyric rooting hormone powder or gel, or were left untreated, and then placed in rock wool, potting mix, water or closed media sachet. All treatment combinations, with the exception of the untreated potting mix, permitted the development of healthy plants in a second greenhouse crop. Growing plants from seed, then vegetatively increasing the number of productive female plants by cuttings is a means to increase Gac production with limited resources. Gac production using greenhouse technology, as described here for the first time, is relevant to other temperate regions. The finding that larger fruits have a higher percentage of edible aril than smaller fruits provides a new area of investigation towards enhancing production.

Composition of trace and major minerals in different parts of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit cultivars

PurposePomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit is highly valued for its delicious edible arils and health benefits. In this study, a comparative study on elemental composition of seven pomegranate cultivars was determined in the fruit rind, mesocarp and arils.Design/methodology/approachThe concentrations of major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cl and Na) and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, B, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Se, Al, As, Li, Sr, Ti and V) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) calibrated with different concentrations of standard solutions of the minerals.FindingsThe highest amounts of N, P, S and Cl were found in Bhagwa cultivar, while Arakta, Ruby and Wonderful had the highest amount of Mg, Ca, and Na, respectively. P, Fe, Zn, Ti, V were more in quantity in the edible portion, while the other mineral elements were in larger proportions or in some cases were only found (Co, Al, As) in the non‐edible fractions of fruit. Among the major mineral elements investigated, P had the highest covering of the RDA, ranging from 6.78 to 8.53 per cent contribution to the RDA, followed by K (4.530‐4.95 per cent RDA), S (1.25‐1.54 per cent RDA), Ca (1.04‐1.54 per cent RDA), Mg (4.33‐5.26 per cent RDA), and Na (0.15‐0.17 per cent RDA).Practical implicationsKnowledge of the relative contributions of mineral elements in the edible fruit part (arils) to RDA will assist in nutrition planning against mineral deficiency.Originality/valuePomegranate fruit contains edible and non‐edible portions, and this study provided the first detailed report on the distribution of a wide range of trace and major mineral elements in the three parts of the fruit. This study also showed that the edible portion (arils) of pomegranate fruit is a good dietary source of essential nutrients such as K, Ca, Mg, and Se, while the non‐edible parts may provide valuable sources of minerals for other food and bioprocess industries.

Protein-binding and antioxidant potential of phenolics of mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana)

Phenolics were extracted from mangosteen fruit parts with 70% (v/v) aqueous acetone. The yield of crude extracts of phenolics (CP) ranged from 5.8% to 7.9%. The total phenolics (TPH) content ranged from 9.3mg to over 250mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of extract in the edible aril and skin, respectively. The formation of phenolic–protein complexes was assayed by both the dye-labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the fluorescence quenching methods. Phenolics from peel and rind displayed a strong protein-precipitating potential. On the other hand, phenolics from edible aril exhibited greater affinity for BSA, as determined by the fluorescence quenching assay. The static quenching was the dominant mode of quenching of BSA fluorescence by mangosteen fruit phenolics. Mangosteen phenolics occupied two binding sites on BSA molecules located most likely in or near both tryptophan residues in the BSA molecule acting as an intrinsic fluorescence probe.

EFFECT OF STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND TIME ON QUALITY IN MINIMALLY PROCESSED LITCHI FRUIT (LITCHI CHINENSIS SONN.)

ABSTRACT Rind browning is the most serious marketing problem for litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit, although it has no effect on the quality of the edible aril portion. Physicochemical, biochemical and subjective quality evaluations were done in minimally processed (peeled and vacuum‐packed) litchi cv. Racimo Rojo fruit stored 18 days at 2, 5 or 10C. Little change was observed in total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH, independent of storage temperature. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity decreased, total phenolic compound content remained unchanged and peroxidase (POD) activity increased during storage. Correlation was low (&lt;0.63) between color parameters (L*, a*and b*) and PPO and POD activities, and phenolic compounds. The minimally processed fruit stored at 2C exhibited characteristics similar to fresh fruit, whereas those stored at 5 and 10C emitted disagreeable odors that lowered their subjective quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe insignificant physicochemical changes observed here suggest that when stored at 2C, litchi fruit can be offered as a minimally processed product with characteristics similar to fresh fruit. Unlike most other minimally processed fruit products and other litchi varieties, pulp browning was not a significant problem in litchi cv. Racimo Rojo after peeling, providing it a potential commercial advantage.