Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruit: some physical and chemical properties

The hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruits were analysed for some physical (dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, bulk density, fruit density, volume, terminal velocity, hardness and porosity) and chemical (moisture, crude protein, crude oil, crude energy, crude fiber, ash, pH, acidity, water- and alcohol soluble extract) properties. Mineral content of wild hawthorn growing in Turkey were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). All materials contained high amounts of Ca, K, Mg, Na and P. These values were found as 3046.37 ppm, 13,531.96 ppm, 1502.55 ppm, 312.18 ppm, 1477.88 ppm and 431,307.29 ppm, respectively. The mean pulp and seeds weight, length, diameter, mass, volume, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and projected area were measured as 2.16 g, 0.87 g, 14.39 mm, 19.34 mm, 3.03 g, 3083.3 mm3, 17.52 mm, 1.22 and 4.19 cm2, respectively. The energy, protein, cellulose, oil, ash, acidity and water-soluble extract values of hawthorn fruits were established as 34.02 kcal/g, 2.48%, 4.67%, 0.87%, 2.28%, 1.98% and 32.31%, respectively. It is very important to evaluate the physical properties for the design of equipment used for harvesting, transportation, storage and processing of fresh fruits. Also, the information supplied on the chemical properties of the hawthorn fruit can be used in human nutrition.