Abstract

In this study the dietary fibre (DF) of fresh and processed murta berries was characterised with respect to bioactive and antioxidant properties. DF content was determined by three different methods (AOAC, dialysis membrane and indigestible fraction methods) comparing their effectiveness. The antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds (PC) in puree, fruit leather and isolated DF of murta berries was evaluated by DPPH and ORAC assays. Total phenolics and flavonoids linked to DF were determined by colorimetric tests, while PC profiles in the respective murta products were identified by HPLC. DF concentration was > 50 g/100 g dm, fluctuating between 52.03 +/- 1.32 and 57.18 +/- 0.61 g/100 g dm, exhibiting simultaneously high antioxidant activity, with ORAC values of 38,190 +/- 661 and 26,425 +/- 1399 mu mol Trolox equivalent/100 g dm in the isolated DF of fresh murta berries and processed murta fruit leather respectively, which enabled a classification as antioxidant dietary fibre. Total phenolics and flavonoids linked to DF retained a high concentration in the fruit leather, implying a favourable effect of processing. Gallic acid and pyrogallol were found associated to DF, at a level of 34.03 +/- 1.17 and 631.07 +/- 22.10 mg/100 g dm in the fresh berries respectively, which conferred to murta berries a functional property not yet reported.