Articles
BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN AMERICAN ELDER (SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS) FRUITS DURING DEVELOPMENT
Article number
1061_5
Pages
61 – 72
Language
English
Abstract
For two consecutive years, total soluble solids, anthocyanins, free phenolics, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS/TEAC method) of the fruit of one wild ecotype and five cultivars of American elder (Sambucus Canadensis) were evaluated during development.
All parameters increased significantly over the ripening period and reached a plateau at the purple stage.
Significant yearly and cultivar differences were measured.
Cultivars Kent and Nova showed significantly higher amounts of anthocyanins and phenolics along with a high antioxidant capacity.
At maturity, anthocyanins, free phenolics, and antioxidant capacity were strongly correlated with each other (r2 = 0.82 to 0.97). The wild ecotype and all cultivars offer a high concentration in various compounds associated with a positive health effect and an antioxidant capacity higher than that of most cultivated small fruits from the same area of production.
These compounds were more abundant in cultivars Scotia and York when grown in LAcadie (Quebec) than in Corvallis (Oregon). Optimal elderberry quality can be obtained by selecting appropriate harvest date.
Periodic determination of total soluble solids content could be used to support visual observation, given that it tends to stabilize when the berries reach full maturity.
Our results indicate that there are significant differences in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among the tested cultivars.
Selection should be based on adequate chemical characterization in parallel with field performance.
All parameters increased significantly over the ripening period and reached a plateau at the purple stage.
Significant yearly and cultivar differences were measured.
Cultivars Kent and Nova showed significantly higher amounts of anthocyanins and phenolics along with a high antioxidant capacity.
At maturity, anthocyanins, free phenolics, and antioxidant capacity were strongly correlated with each other (r2 = 0.82 to 0.97). The wild ecotype and all cultivars offer a high concentration in various compounds associated with a positive health effect and an antioxidant capacity higher than that of most cultivated small fruits from the same area of production.
These compounds were more abundant in cultivars Scotia and York when grown in LAcadie (Quebec) than in Corvallis (Oregon). Optimal elderberry quality can be obtained by selecting appropriate harvest date.
Periodic determination of total soluble solids content could be used to support visual observation, given that it tends to stabilize when the berries reach full maturity.
Our results indicate that there are significant differences in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among the tested cultivars.
Selection should be based on adequate chemical characterization in parallel with field performance.
Publication
Authors
F. Mathieu, D. Charlebois, M.T. Charles, N. Chevrier
Keywords
anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity, elderberry, fruit ripening, phenolic compounds
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