Anthocyanins and nutrient components of saskatoon fruits (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.)

Abstract

The benefits of fruits and vegetables in human health have long been recognized. Part of the beneficial effects of these foods on human health has been purported to be due to various polyphenolic compounds that have radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Saskatoon fruits (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) are native to Western Canada and are an emerging North American fruit crop. The blue-purple coloration of mature saskatoon fruit, an important quality characteristic, is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are a class of polyphenolic compounds that contribute to protection against human diseases. The objective o f this review is to summarize the research on anthocyanins, a potential nutraceutical, and other nutrient components in saskatoon fruits. In addition, management practices to increase anthocyanin content in the mature fruit are discussed. Key words: Amelanchier alnifolia, saskatoon, fruit quality, chemical composition, anthocyanins