PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SELECTED PLUM CULTIVARS FRUIT

The aim of the study was to present and compare characteristics of pomological parameters, colour, dry matter and solids contents, as well as antioxidant activity of fruit of selected plum cultivars. Analyses were conducted on plums (Prunus domestica) of three cultivars: 'Wegierka Zwykla', 'Bluefre' and 'Elena'. Presented morphological parameters of fruit and stones included their length, width and weight, as well as mean fruit size and firmness. Fruit colour was measured by spectrophotometry in the L*a*b* system. Contents of dry matter and solids were determined in fruits. Moreover, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of plums was assayed by colorimetry using a cation radical ABTS. The biggest fruits were found for cv. 'Bluefre', while the highest value of dry matter and solids contents - in cv. 'Wegierka Zwykla'. Higher antioxidant activity (mu M Trolox/g d. m.) was assayed in plums of relatively new cultivars, 'Bluefre' and 'Elena', in comparison to the traditional cultivar 'Wegierka Zwykla'.