Development of a comprehensive evaluation system for the sensory and nutritional quality of winter jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao)

Winter jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) is a late-maturing and superior fresh jujube variety. However, there have been few reports on the comprehensive evaluation of winter jujube quality. Here, we revealed the differences and characteristics of 46 sensory and nutritional quality indices of winter jujube from four main producing areas in China. Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical clustering analysis were employed to comprehensively evaluate 46 quality indices of winter jujube. As a result, 89.13 % of the tested quality indices were significantly different among different producing areas. Winter jujube from Yuncheng had the best sensory quality, while that from Binzhou had better functional components and antioxidant activity. The quality of winter jujube was ranked as Yuncheng (0.577) > Cangzhou (0.146) > Binzhou (-0.148) > Weinan (-0.162). Furthermore, the 46 studied quality indices could be simplified and divided into five groups, including antioxidant activity (ABTS), functional component (betulinic acid), flavor (fumaric acid, tartaric acid, and sucrose), appearance (FSI, TD and b*), and mineral elements (Se and Cu). This study is of great significance for scientific evaluation on the quality of winter jujube and promotion of high-value development and utilization of winter jujube industry.