The m'neral composition of medlarfnrit collected (June I5 -October 8) in Turkey atfive stages of development was studied. In thefnrit. 32 minerals were analyzed and 16 minerals (Al, Ba, Ca. Cu, Co, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn. Na. Ni, P, Sr, Ti and Zn) were present at detectable levels. The ripe medlar h i t was richest in potassium (7370 pg/g dry wt). calcium ( I 780 pg/g dry wt). phosphorus (1080 pg/g dry wt). magnesium (661 pg/g dry wt) and sodium (183 pg/g dry wt). During the fruit development, Al. Ba, Fe, Mn, P, Sr. and Zn were highest in August (unripe fruits) while the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg and Cu gradually decreased throughout development. The ripe medlar fruit is an important source of nutritionally needed minerals and trace elements, in particular Ca, Cu, Fe. K, Mg, Mn. Na and Zn, for human populations in sourheastern Europe, Turkey and Iran.

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