Physicochemical characterization and bioactive potential in Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb fruits

Abstract

Ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb) is an important and valuable food source in the diet of several countries worldwide with a potential to positively impact nutritional security. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical attributes, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of D. hebecarpa fruits grown in Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR. The following parameters were assessed: fresh weight, longitudinal and transverse length, LD/TD (format index), yield in pulp, peel, and seed, soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS/TA (flavor index), pH, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total anthocyanins, total chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP). The review and results of study on ripe fruits of D. hebecarpa in Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR revealed that it contains significant levels of soluble solids (18.25 °Brix), good pulp yield (90.19%), and high levels of ascorbic acid (142.09 mg/100g-1 of pulp) and total anthocyanins (94.13 mg/100g-1 of peel). This information confirms that the fruits of D. hebecarpa can be successfully used for the formulation and development of new products, in addition to the utilization of other parts, such as peels and seeds.