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Influence of cultivar and of conventional and organic agricultural practices on phenolic and sensory profile of blackberries ( Rubus fruticosus )
Author(s) -
Pinto Teresa,
Vilela Alice,
Pinto Andreia,
Nunes Fernando M,
Cosme Fernanda,
Anjos Rosário
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.8990
Subject(s) - cultivar , rubus , organic farming , agriculture , biology , horticulture , botany , food science , agronomy , ecology
BACKGROUND Consumer demand for organic products is increasing because of their claimed health benefits. Blackberries are a rich source of polyphenols, with high antioxidant activity; nevertheless, the impact of organic versus conventional agricultural practices on its phytochemical composition is unknown. ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Chester Thornless’ were selected as blackberry cultivars for this study because of their desired sensory and technological properties, which make them more suitable for export. RESULTS ‘Loch Ness’ variety presented a higher amounts of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity when compared to the ‘Chester Thornless’ variety. The impact of agricultural practices on the phytochemical composition of the two varieties was contradictory. Under organic agricultural practices, levels of polyphenols increased for ‘Loch Ness’ and decreased for ‘Chester Thornless’, whereas the soluble solids content increased in both varieties. These changes in composition were correlated with changes observed in the blackberries' sensory profile. CONCLUSION The effect of agricultural practices on the blackberries' chemical and sensory profile was dependent on the variety and cannot be generalized. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry