标题：Study of the Influences by Geographical Origin in Chemical Characters, Sugars, and Antioxidant Activity of Portuguese Autochthonous Prunus armeniaca L.
摘要：Chemical characterization and antioxidant activity are two of the most important nutritional quality factors in many horticultural crops and have many biological activities and benefits to human health. Fruit physical characters and antioxidant compounds of Polida apricot cultivar, an autochthonous fruit and the most representative Portuguese cultivar, from different geographic regions, were evaluated. Some physical parameters related to fruit quality and climacteric conditions, such as color angle (ho), moisture, pH, water activity (aW), tritatable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), were analyzed. Phytochemical traits and antioxidant capacity were also analyzed. Results revealed a remarkable variation in total phenol content (from 4938.6 to 7967.2 mg of GAE/100g fresh weight) and highest content of total carotenoids in fruits collected in south of Portugal. The antioxidant activity revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between apricot fruit samples (with and without peel). Positive correlations were observed between chemical profile and antioxidant activity with geographical areas presenting different climacteric conditions. Taking into account the reduced shelf life of fresh apricot fruit and to ensure that these fruits reach consumers with maximum nutritional and functional properties, it is advisable to cultivate them in geographic areas with intense radiation exposition. This semicomprehensive analysis begins to characterize the phytochemical profile of Portuguese apricot fruit and illustrates the main differences between them in distinct geographical areas.
