Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the fruit quality, pigment content, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ORAC) of the skin, pulp, skin + pulp and seeds of seven relevant sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars growing in Central Valley Chile. Five replicates per cultivar were considered for analysis. Results showed that skin pigment content varied among cultivars, with 'Kordia' excelling in anthocyanins (357 mg 100 g-1 FW), 'Sweetheart' in carotenoids (32 µg g-1 FW) and 'Regina' in total chlorophylls (52 µg g-1 FW). The highest levels of TPC, DPPH and ORAC were found in the skin, followed by the seed, skin + pulp and pulp, with significant differences among cultivars. The TPC of edible fraction (skin + pulp) ranged from 350 ('Kordia') to 108 mg CAE 100 g-1 FW ('Rainier'), while ORAC antioxidant activity ranged from 6800 ('Kordia') to 2030 µmol TE 100 g-1 FW ('Rainier'). The main sweet cherry cultivars grown in Chile showed to be a good source of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Additionally, seeds can be a potential source to produce functional foods.