Pomological and biochemical changes in pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. 'Hicaznar') fruits harvested at different mature periods

Abstract

Pomegranate is a fruit species beneficial for human health due to its high antioxidant capacities and other bioactive compounds. In this study, the pomological and biochemical changes of pomegranate fruits harvested at four different ripening stages in the Hicaznar variety were determined. The fruits were harvested at the stage where the seeds turned white (August 5), the stage where the color change in the seeds began (September 5), the stage where the seeds turned pink (September 29), and the stage where the seeds turned red (October 20). In line with this aim, fruit weight, fruit width, fruit length, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity were determined in fruit samples. Fruit weight ranged from 132.7 to 546.49 g, fruit length ranged from 71.00 to 114.0 mm, fruit width ranged from 67.22 to 99.35 mm, total soluble solids ranged from 10.43% to 15.23%, total acidity ranged from 0.99% to 2.76%, pH ranged from 2.98 to 3.37, total phenolic content ranged from 490.40 to 570.73 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g^-1, total flavonoid content ranged from 5.85 to 7.28 mg catechin equivalent 100 g^-1, and total antioxidant capacity ranged from 83.64% to 88.46%. In this study, as maturity progressed in the 'Hicaznar' variety, increases in fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, and total soluble solids content were observed. Conversely, decreases in titratable acidity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity were observed as maturity progressed.