Physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity of several pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Spain

Nine pomegranate cultivars grown in Spain were selected, and their physicochemical (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturity index, monomeric anthocyanin pigment, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, and vitamin C) and antioxidant properties and polyphenolic composition of the juices were compared. A total of 53 polyphenols were identified, showing cultivars different profiles. Of all nine cultivars, Katirbasi had the highest contents of flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins and vitamin C, as well as gallic acid and ellagic acid contents, explaining its high total reducing capacity. Principal component analysis allowed Katirbasi to be differentiated clearly from the others. Other cultivars presented also interesting characteristics such as high monomeric anthocyanin pigment content (CG8 cultivar) and interesting antioxidant activity (Wonderful 2 and CG8 cultivars). CG8 was the cultivar with the highest value of cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Thus, this study will assist pomegranate producers in choosing the most suitable cultivar according to its ultimate use.