Physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of main pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Deccan Plateau of India

Abstract

A comparative study of physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of main pomegranate cultivars (Bhagawa, Ganesh, Arakta and Mridula) widely grown in India was conducted. Cultivar ‘Ganesh’ produced the biggest fruit (average fruit weight 280.42 g) followed by Bhagawa, Mridula and Arakta. However, fruits of Bhagawa appeared to be attractive red in colour than ‘Ganesh’ and had bold arils. Its arils exhibited good flavour with high acidity (0.50%) and were also rich in micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn). Arakta was characterized by a high phenol (177 mg GAE/100 mL), anthocyanin (79.19 mg/100 mL) and macro-nutrients concentrations and for a dark red colour. Cultivars Arakta and Mridula showed high juice percentage (45.67%) and juice recovery (45.90-46.45%), and hence were a better choice for processing. A significant positive correlation was observed among P concentration of fruits and total soluble solids and ascorbic acid, and between Ca concentration and phenol, anthocyanin and sugar, Zn concentration and fruit acidity