Total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic and anthocyanin contents in fruit species grown in Northwest Italy

• FRAP, TPC, TAnC and SSC, pH and TA in 17 fruit species were analysed.
• Cultivars, selections or landraces, of species grown in N-W Italy, were considered.
• The differences found among cultivars highlight a great variability within species.
• Berry fruits and the Damask plum are excellent sources of antioxidants compounds.
• Damask plum showed intermediate properties between berry and major fruit species.

Seventeen fruit species grown in Piedmont (Northwest Italy) were analysed for SSC, pH, TA, total antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic and anthocyanin contents to evaluate their nutraceutical value and emphasize the value of the local productions. Major fruit species (pear, apple, apricot) were generally higher in SSC and had moderate acidity but were tendentially lower in phenolics (39.89–93.71 mg GAE 100 g−1 fw) and antioxidant capacity (8.07–11.11 mmol Fe2+/kg fw) in comparison with berry fruits. Black mulberry, blackberry, highbush blueberry, currant, raspberry, gooseberry and strawberry confirmed to be excellent antioxidant sources (phenolics 196.98–398.67 mg GAE 100 g−1 fw; FRAP: 11.51–85.97 mmol Fe2+/kg fw) while Damask plums showed intermediate properties (phenolics: 175.30–229.62 mg GAE 100 g−1 fw; FRAP: 12.12–17.88 mmol Fe2+/kg fw). The highest anthocyanin contents were recorded in black mulberry (341.53 mg C3G 100 g−1 fw), black currant (224.79 mg C3G 100 g−1 fw) and highbush blueberry (222.74 mg C3G 100 g−1 fw). Differences between cultivars of the same species indicated the presence of variability that should be considered in breeding and in the orchards planning.