Physical-chemical characterization of fourteen pomegranate genotypes of southern Jalisco, Mexico

Pomegranate has become very popular because of organoleptic and nutraceutic qualities derived from its antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to characterize morphologically the genotypes of southern Jalisco. During a period of three fruiting cycles, 14 genotypes were collected, and their physical and biochemical characteristics were measured. The data were analyzed under a completely randomized two factorial design. The results showed that production environment greatly influenced the variables assessed. At lower rainfall and temperature, fruits are heavier but have a smaller edible proportion, and the juice is more acid. There is broad diversity among the genotypes evaluated: in fruit weight (187.6-393.9 g), aril weight per fruit (102.8-209 g), seeds weight (33.6-67.4 g), rind and membrane weight (62.2-192.4g), number of seeds (414.8-823.9 g), diameter at equator (7.13-9.46 cm) and fruit length (6.78-10.51 cm), length and width of arils (0.817-1.008 and 0.549-0.697 cm, respectively) and rind thickness (2.86-7 mm). Fruits of nine of 14 genotypes evaluated had 41-53.4 g per 100g rind, 32-48.2% juice with 13.86-17.17 degrees Brix, pH 2.59-3.38, and 14.7-23.7% seed. The genotype that can be used for fresh consumption with minimum processing is "El Tio", and for juice "El Tio Criolla". (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.