Jam processing effect on phenolics and antioxidant capacity in anthocyanin-rich fruits: Cherry, plum, and raspberry

Four cultivars of sour cherries (Balaton, Karneol, Kroeker and Northstar), 2 cultivars of plums (BY 8158.50 and Methley), and 1 red raspberry cv. Prelude were analyzed for total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and total anthocyanins. before and after jam production to evaluate their changes after thermal processing. Fruits had total phenolics ranging from 245.7 to 398.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g. Antioxidant capacity of fruits ranged from 354.8 to 692.3 mg/100 g, expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC). Total anthocyanins of fruits ranged from 30.9 to 67.1 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent (CGE)/100 g. In 100 g of jam, total phenolics varied from 132.9 to 218.9 mg GAE, while antioxidant capacity ranged from 205.6 to 373.5 mg/100 g VCEAC. Jams had total anthocyanins of 5.4 to 30.4 mg CGE/100 g. On the basis of fresh fruit (100 g), the processing and heating during jam making generally decreased the contents of total phenolics, VCEAC, and total anthocyanins. Major losses occurred in anthocyanin content where overall retention varied from 89% to 21%. HPLC analysis of individual anthocyanins from cherry cv. Balaton to its jam showed that processing caused 90% decrease in anthocyanins. The results indicated that more than 73% total phenolics and more than 65% antioxidant capacity were retained after processing fruits into jams. Optimization of food processing would help to conserve the bioactive phenolic compounds in fruits.