A comprehensive study of qualitative and biochemical characteristics of dried seedless barberry fruits from different regions of South Khorasan Province, Iran

Purpose: There is no report regarding the physicochemical properties of dried barberry fruits from main production regions of the South Khorasan Province, Iran. Research Method: Therefore, we investigated the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds of dried, seedless barberry fruits from different regions of South Khorasan Province, Iran. Dried barberries were evaluated after being purchased and collected. Findings: The highest total soluble solids (TSS) and the highest taste index (TSS/TA) were obtained for the barberries from the Birjand region, which indicates that the barberries from this region have better and sweeter tastes than those from other regions. However, the barberry fruits of the Qaen region had the greatest amount of titratable acidity (TA) and the lowest amount of TSS, which indicates that the fruits of this region are more sour than those of other regions. The examination of color indices (L*, a*, b*, Hue and chroma) showed that the lowest values of a* (redness) and chroma were related to the dried barberry of the Darmian region. Additionally, the highest total phenol content and anthocyanin content were detected in fruits from the Birjand region. However, barberry fruits from the Darmian region had the lowest phenol content and the lowest levels of anthocyanin and vitamin C. Positive strong correlations revealed between anthocyanin and TSS (r = 0.82), anthocyanin and phenol (r =0.95), anthocyanin and vitamin C (r =0.77), and anthocyanin and chroma (r =0.81). Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: In general, it can be concluded that the dry, seedless barberry fruits from the Birjand region had higher quality and nutritional value than those from other regions. Nevertheless, the barberries of the Zirkoh and Qaen regions also had acceptable quality and nutritional value. However, it seems necessary to control and review the storage and drying conditions of barberry fruits in the Darmian region.