Microclimate Condition Influence on the Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A Case Study of the East Adriatic Coast

The pomegranate cultivar Barski slatki, the most widely cultivated on the Eastern Adriatic coast, was evaluated over one growing season across four growing areas to assess its pomological and chemical properties and antioxidant activity. Results showed that location significantly influenced fruit weight, volume, number of arils per fruit, and both total and individual aril weight, with the Kaštela (CRO) site producing the largest fruits and highest aril yields. Climatic factors, such as precipitation during bud differentiation, flowering, and early fruit development, were found to impact fruit set, aril number, and fruit size. Aril and juice yields, however, remained relatively stable across sites. Notable differences were observed in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic content, and anthocyanin profiles. Location with higher rainfall occurring during fruit growth favored enhanced phenolic accumulation. Although total anthocyanin content remained consistent among locations, significant variation occurred in aril coloration and composition of individual anthocyanins. In conclusion, microclimatic factors, particularly rainfall distribution, temperature, and altitude, play a decisive role in shaping the physical, chemical, and visual attributes of ‘Barski slatki’. Despite being cultivated under similar Mediterranean conditions, the observed differences across sites highlight the strong adaptability of this cultivar to diverse agroecological environments, while maintaining stable quality.