Teresa Pinto1, Alice Vilela2, Andreia Pinto1, Fernando M Nunes3, Fernanda Cosme2, Rosário Anjos1. 1. Biology and Environment Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Vila Real, Portugal. 2. CQ-VR, Chemistry Research Centre - Vila Real, Food and Wine Chemistry Lab, Biology and Environment Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. 3. CQ-VR, Chemistry Research Centre - Vila Real, Food and Wine Chemistry Lab, Chemistry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Consumer demand for organic products is increasing because of their claimed health benefits. Blackberries are a rich source of polyphenols, with high antioxidant activity; nevertheless, the impact of organic versus conventional agricultural practices on its phytochemical composition is unknown. 'Loch Ness' and 'Chester Thornless' were selected as blackberry cultivars for this study because of their desired sensory and technological properties, which make them more suitable for export. RESULTS: 'Loch Ness' variety presented a higher amounts of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity when compared to the 'Chester Thornless' variety. The impact of agricultural practices on the phytochemical composition of the two varieties was contradictory. Under organic agricultural practices, levels of polyphenols increased for 'Loch Ness' and decreased for 'Chester Thornless', whereas the soluble solids content increased in both varieties. These changes in composition were correlated with changes observed in the blackberries' sensory profile. CONCLUSION: The effect of agricultural practices on the blackberries' chemical and sensory profile was dependent on the variety and cannot be generalized.
BACKGROUND: Consumer demand for organic products is increasing because of their claimed health benefits. Blackberries are a rich source of polyphenols, with high antioxidant activity; nevertheless, the impact of organic versus conventional agricultural practices on its phytochemical composition is unknown. 'Loch Ness' and 'Chester Thornless' were selected as blackberry cultivars for this study because of their desired sensory and technological properties, which make them more suitable for export. RESULTS: 'Loch Ness' variety presented a higher amounts of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity when compared to the 'Chester Thornless' variety. The impact of agricultural practices on the phytochemical composition of the two varieties was contradictory. Under organic agricultural practices, levels of polyphenols increased for 'Loch Ness' and decreased for 'Chester Thornless', whereas the soluble solids content increased in both varieties. These changes in composition were correlated with changes observed in the blackberries' sensory profile. CONCLUSION: The effect of agricultural practices on the blackberries' chemical and sensory profile was dependent on the variety and cannot be generalized.
Authors: Vânia Silva; Sandra Pereira; Alice Vilela; Eunice Bacelar; Francisco Guedes; Carlos Ribeiro; Ana Paula Silva; Berta Gonçalves Journal: Foods Date: 2021-03-13