Characterization of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate in the state of Chihuahua, México

Abstract

The consumption of fruits rich in antioxidants has increased in recent years, a clear example of this is the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The cultivation of the pomegranate shows great expectations due to its profitability and its adaptability to development in arid zones. In this research, ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruits from Coyame Chihuahua, México were used. Quality parameters and bioactive compounds were evaluated to characterize the pomegranate produced in the state of Chihuahua, six different lots from local producers were used. The results showed significance between the different treatments, lot 5 (L5) presented the best quality characteristics such as: weight, diameter, lower percentage of shell and cartilage, as well as one of the highest percentages of arils, in addition, it had a high Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content, a high Titratable Acidity (TA) and a low sugar-acidity ratio, however, lot 3 (L3) showed the highest antioxidant capacity. In general, the qualities and attributes of the Chihuahua pomegranates, obtained higher values ​​in most of the evaluated variables in comparison with other reported results. On the other hand, as a result of this research, the implementation of the color index in the peel is proposed as a tool for the prediction of the maturity index of the pomegranate. This study contributes to the producers of this fruit tree because there is little information on the production and characterization of the pomegranate.