Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in flesh and peel of three apple cultivars

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the bioactive compounds content and the antioxidant activity in flesh and peel from three apple cultivars, commonly cultivated in Romania (Golden Spur, Yonagold and Idared). The content of reducing sugar, glucose and total phenolic was determined by colorimetric methods, ascorbic acid by iodometric method and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS radical scavenging assay. The results show that studied chemical indices vary according to the analyzed cultivar and the part of the fruit. The samples are a rich source of bioactive compounds with an important role in human health, especially compound with considerable antioxidant activity. In peel the total phenolic contents were 3,56-5,44 times higher than the total phenolic contents in flesh and antioxidant activity in peel were 1,461-2,631 times higher than the antioxidant activity measured in flesh samples. The results of this study recommend introducing the investigated cultivars in diet as a source of naturals antioxidants.