Quality Characteristics of Fresh Date Palm Fruits of “Medjoul” and “Confitera” cv. from the Southeast of Spain (Elche Palm Grove)

Abstract

The quality characteristics (physical, techno-functional, and chemical) of date fruits (at the tamar stage) of two cultivars (“Confitera”, autochthonous and unknown vs. “Medjoul”, widely distributed and well-known), grown in the Southeast of Spain (Elche palm grove) were evaluated in order to reinforce decisions aimed at organizing the production of fresh dates from Elche by selecting the most profitable cultivar. Morphologically, Confitera dates were longer and with higher pulp yield than Medjoul dates (4.58 cm vs. 3.88 cm, and 84% vs. 78%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Nutritionally, both dates are a good source of carbohydrates (total sugars (43–48%) and dietary fiber (20–22%)), with small amounts of fat and proteins. The main free sugars in dates from both cultivars were glucose and fructose (reducing sugars). The most abundant mineral found in both date fruits were K, followed by Ca or Mg (depending on the cultivar; Ca in Medjoul and Mg in Confitera). Confitera dates showed a higher total antioxidant activity than Medjoul, corresponding with their higher (p < 0.05) content in polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids (catechin and epicatechin predominantly). Confitera dates should be promoted in this region not only for their contribution to sustainable agricultural development and biodiversity, but also for their higher overall quality.