Title: Morpho-pomological and chemical properties of pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i> L.) cultivars in Iran
Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of five pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Iran. Significant differences were found among the pomegranate cultivars for many of the properties studied. Results showed that, in particular, fruit diameter ranged from 63.63 mm (Syah) to 79.29 mm (Rabab), fruit volume from 153.3 cm3 (Syah) to 293.3 cm3 (Rabab), and fruit density from 0.93 g cm−3 (Rabab) to 1.13 g cm−3 (TorshSefeed). Although Syah showed the lowest fruit weight (144.8 g), fruit yield (8.28 ton ha−1), and fruit skin thickness (1.55 mm), Rabab had the highest fruit yield (27.1 ton ha−1) and fruit skin thickness (2.32 mm). Juice volume was found to vary between 61.1 and 67.0 cm3. Percent of aril ranged from 59.64% (Rabab) to 75.3% (Syah) and weight of aril between 108.9 and 199.8 g. Also, results indicated that titratable acidity content varied from 0.39% (Syah) to 1.13% (TorshSefeed). The total soluble solids content varied from 12.67 ˆBrix (TorshSefeed) to 15.67 ˆBrix (ZardehAnar), pH values from 3.05 to 3.77, Electrical conductivity values from 2.8 to 3.14 dS m−1, and vitamin C content from 59.25 to 69.52 mg 100 g−1. The anthocyanin content was observed to vary between 80.36 (Syah) and 216.97 (ZardehAnar). The antioxidant activity of pomegranate cultivars ranged from 27.24% (Syah) to 84.04% (TorshSefeed). These results demonstrated that the cultivar was the major factor which influences the morpho-pomological and chemical (especially, antioxidant activity) properties of pomegranates.