Kumquat (Fortunella margarita): A Good Alternative for the Ingestion of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Citrus fruit is preferred in the choice of consumers. Kumquat (F. margarita) is an unconventional citrus of increasing consumer interest because of its exotic flavor, and its functional potential that offers health benefits to consumers. It is a fruit traditionally consumed by whole fruit (peel and pulp), giving this fruit a distinctive flavor. For this reason, this study analyzed the physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics of kumquat (peel and pulp). The physicochemical analysis was performed according to the Adolfo Lutz Institute. Analysis of moisture, ashes, macronutrients, and total dietary fiber was carried out according to AOAC. Minerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids were analyzed by HPLC. Phenolic compounds (Folin-Ciocalteu) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) were determined by spectrophotometry. The kumquat had low pH, soluble solids content and low caloric value. It was a source of dietary fiber, minerals (K, Ca, P, Mg) and carotenoids; the most expressive was α-carotene (661.81 μg 100 g−1). The ascorbic acid concentration was 2326.24 μg 100 g−1. α-tocopherol (569.00 μg 100 g−1) was the most expressive component of vitamin E. There was a presence of apigenin and eriodictyol. The fruit (peel and pulp) has a high concentration of total phenolic compounds (98.55 ± 1.93 mg GAE 100 g−1) and good antioxidant capacity (62%) was found. Kumquat is a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and due to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of other essential and beneficial nutrients for a diet, consumption of kumquat can be suggested to complement the diet. This fruit is a viable food alternative, and its consumption should be encouraged, contributing a source of income, sovereignty, and food security.

Analysis of Free Sugars, Organic Acids, and Fatty Acids of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima L.) Fruit Pulp

“…Total ash content in the current study was 2.73 ± 0.12% and it is comparable to the reported values of kumquat fruit [44]. The total ash content of the pulp was directly proportional to the presence of mineral elements.…”

“…The crude fiber value obtained from the current study showed wood apple is a good source of dietary fiber, which is 3.32 ± 0.02%. Results revealed that the studied fruit pulp has a lower content of dietary fiber than kumquat fruit (5.31%) [44]. It has been proposed that consumption of fruits with high dietary fiber has various health benefits including being a carrier of antioxidants in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce risk factors related to cardiovascular and intestinal diseases [45].…”

“…It has been proposed that consumption of fruits with high dietary fiber has various health benefits including being a carrier of antioxidants in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce risk factors related to cardiovascular and intestinal diseases [45]. Total protein content was 25.24 ± 0.07% and it is comparable with African mangosteen (31.76%) and higher than kumquat fruits (7.38%) [6,44]. A total of 24.74 ± 0.19% of carbohydrate content was observed in the studied wood apple fruit pulp.…”

“…A total of 24.74 ± 0.19% of carbohydrate content was observed in the studied wood apple fruit pulp. Total carbohydrate content was comparatively higher than Annona squamosa (10.80%) and kumquat fruits (5.23%) [38,44]. The total phenolics content was 0.50 ± 0.01% and the phenolic values are comparable with Mauritian citrus fruits [46].…”