Effects of physio-chemical changes during fruit development on nutritional quality of fig (Ficus carica L. var. 'Sabz') under rain-fed condition

The fig (Ficus carrica L.) is the most common fruit worldwide and is traded internationally. Dry figs are more common in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate physio-chemical changes in the fig and the incidence of aflatoxin in the dry fruit during four developmental stages including, three weeks after full bloom; three days after caprification; ripening; and time of starting fruit drying on the tree. Fig trees were rain-fed and three replicates were used in two consecutive years. According to results of the present study, among different types of minerals in the dry fig, potassium and iron were the most common macro and micro elements, respectively. Moreover, a downward trend was observed in total phenolic compounds until fruit ripening, followed by an increase at the stage of senescence. Polyphenol oxidase reached its highest value in the ripening phase. Moreover, color indices reached their highest amount in the last stage of fruit development. HPLC analyses showed that the fig was rich in (+) Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, (−) Epicatechin and Quercetin-3-o- glucoside when the fruits dried on the trees. The percentage of crude fiber remained stable until the ripening stage, followed by an increase in the last stage of fig development. No Aspergillus spp. were detected in the fruits of the rain-fed fig. The fruit could serve as an important source of minerals and fiber for the human diet.