Superior phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of wild red-fleshed apples: A comparative analysis across humid and dry ecosystems

Red-fleshed apples are a highly prized species in the Rosaceae family, offering significant economic and medicinal benefits. However, there is limited information and investigation into red-fleshed apples' (poly)phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity across various environmental conditions. Consequently, this study, as the first comparative investigation, aimed to characterize the (poly)phenolic fingerprint of various fruit parts and leaves from four red-fleshed apple cultivars grown in dry and humid ecosystems in Iran. It employs HPLC measurement to identify key components and evaluate their antioxidant capacities. We identified 12 phenolic compounds, including two hydroxycinnamic acids, three anthocyanins, five glycosylated flavonols, and two dihydrochalcones. Both the leaves and the peels were abundant in flavonols and dihydrochalcones. Our study's peels, seeds, and edible parts exhibited high levels of anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids. All components of red-fleshed apples demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity. Humid environments promoted higher levels of antioxidant capacity and increased phytochemical content, contributing to food security in developing regions that face challenging environmental conditions for sustainable plant-based food production. • The (poly)phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of wild red-fleshed apples' fruit parts and leaves under various environmental conditions were assessed. • Twelve compounds were characteristics of the studied Iranian apples. • Leaves and fruit peels are rich in Flavonols and dihydrochalcones • Peels and seeds of Red-fleshed apples are very rich in anthocyanins and cinnamic acid derivatives • Humid climate boosted the phytochemical composition of red-fleshed apples