Phenolic composition, organic acids, sugars, vitamin C and antioxidant activity in the juice of two new triploid late-season mandarins

Fruit juices of 'Safor' [(Citrus clementina × Citrus tangerina) × (Citrus unshiu × Citrus nobilis)] and 'Garbí' [(Citrus clementina × Citrus tangerina) × (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis)] mandarins were analyzed in order to compare the main nutritional components of fruit to those of their respective parents. Vitamin C, total phenolic, flavonoid, phenolic acid, organic acid and sugar contents as well as juice yield, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and maturity index (TSS/TA) were determined. Antioxidant activity was measured by two methods, the free radical-scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. 'Safor' and 'Garbí' hybrids showed both high quality parameters of juice at maturity which makes them good for fresh consumption. The results of this study show that 'Safor' fruit exhibited high levels of vitamin C, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. In addition, the organic acid contents in the fruit juices of these new triploid mandarins were superior than those of their parents. Generally, 'Safor' and 'Garbí' mandarins displayed similar contents of health-promoting components as those of their parents.

► Nutritional composition of new triploid mandarins, 'Safor' and 'Garbí', was analyzed. ► These varieties showed elevated contents of sugars and acids with high juice quality. ► These mandarins displayed higher contents of bioactive components than their parents. ► 'Safor' and 'Garbí' are a significant source of phytochemicals. ► These two new varieties may be used as natural antioxidants.