Evaluation Of Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutritional Composition And Antioxidant Capacity Of Chinese Organic Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus Pinnatifida)

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida), approved as 'medicine food homology' fruit by China's National Health Commission, has been associated with positive effects on human health. In-depth study of nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity can provide basic information on food value of Chinese organic frozen (OFHB)/freeze-dried (OFDHB) hawthorn berries. Higher levels of dietary fibre, pectin, ascorbic acid, mineral and antioxidant capacity were found compared with some common fruits and other species hawthorn. Both OFHB and OFDHB samples have much higher content of potassium (1.02 x 10(4) and 9.73 x 10(3) mg kg(-1)) than sodium (54.23 and 42.31 mg kg(-1)). OFDHB had a more desirable ratio (2.68:1) of insoluble/soluble dietary fibre which is suitable for use as a food ingredient. Antioxidant capacity varied considerably depending on the part (peel > pulp) and reaching up to 577.5 mu mol Trolox equivalent g(-1). OFHB and OFDHB are excellent natural nutrient-dense and antioxidant sources for dietary supplements and functional foods development.