Phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of litchi pulp of different cultivars cultivated in Southern China

► Phenolic and flavonoid contents in litchi pulp had significant varietal difference. ► Phenolics and flavonoids existed mainly in free form in litchi pulp. ► Six phenolic compounds were detected in litchi pulp by HPLC. ► Some litchi cultivars (Feizixiao and Nuomici) showed potent antioxidant activity.