Comparative nutritional analysis of various loquat cultivars and their value-added products

Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica ) , is a potential fruit used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is an under-utilized fruit, consumed only as fresh, since no value-added products are available in the market. The study was designed to characterize the loquat cultivars for development of value-added products. We analyzed the chemical components, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, vitamin C content, total phenolic content, minerals and antioxidant activity of three locally grown loquat cultivars. Subsequently, these cultivars were subjected to develop Jam, Leather, and Chutney to extend their shelf-life. These products were analyzed for color, sensory aspects, storage stability, TSS, pH and microbial plate count. The pulp of the fruit was higher in moisture, crude fat, and NFE for all cultivars as compared to peel. The Surahi pulp had the highest moisture (85.05 %) and fat (1.12 %) while the Gola peel had highest protein contents. The Gola pulp was lowest (1.16 %) in fiber contents. while the Sufaida pulp was highest in NFE% (10.25). Surahi was also highest in TSS, TA% and DPPH inhibition and mineral contents. The peel of all cultivars were richer in phenolics than their respective pulps. Surahi jam revealed the best color values recorded as L ∗, a ∗ and b ∗ compared to other jam of other cultivars. Overall, Surahi cultivar has shown best accepted sensory aspects and was found most suitable for product development. Gola could be suitable for raw consumption due to its taste mildness, whereas Sufaida is moderately suitable for both product development and raw consumption. Hence, the study shows loquat to be a potent, nutritious fruit, highly recommended for product development. • Nutritional and physicochemical properties of three loquat cultivars evaluated. • Development of value-added products to enhance loquat's shelf life. • Sensory and safety analysis shows Surahi as best for product development. • Phenolic-rich peels identified as a sustainable byproduct for potential utilization. • Innovative solutions to reduce postharvest losses of underutilized fruits.