title: Influence of cultivar, harvest time, storage conditions, and peeling on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic and ascorbic acid contents of apples and pears.
abstract: Apple and pear fruits are important sources of secondary plant metabolites and one of the major sources of dietary phenolics consumed all year round. The aim of this work was to identify the main variables influencing phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in apples. Higher phenolic and antioxidant contents were observed in some varieties (such as the Delbar Estival apple and Durondeau pear). Storage conditions were important. Our results also showed that fruits should be consumed rapidly after purchase and with their peel. After one week of domestic storage, the ascorbic acid content was found to decrease by 75%. Peeling led to a more than 25% decrease in total phenolics and ascorbic acid. The harvest time (at normal ripeness) had only a limited impact, but significant year-to-year variations were observed. In conclusion, well-chosen and well-stored apples and pears may contribute to an antioxidant-rich diet if consumed rapidly and with their peel.
authors.affiliation: Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Unit, B22, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, B-4000 LIEGE Belgium. c.kevers@ulg.ac.be
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kevers
authors.forename: Joël
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pincemail
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tabart
authors.forename: Jean-Olivier
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Defraigne
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dommes
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development; D027845:Malus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis*; D031989:Pyrus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010636:Phenols; D010936:Plant Extracts; D001205:Ascorbic Acid