Evaluation and comparison of nutritional quality and bioactive compounds of berry fruits from Lonicera caerulea, Ribes L. species and Rubus idaeus grown in Russia

Abstract

The fruits of three berry species cultivated in Russia, Rubus idaeus, Ribes L. species (R. nigrum and R. nigrum × R. dikuscha) and the less common Lonicera caerulea, were investigated for their minerals and phytochemical compounds. Under the same environmental conditions, differences in contents of nutrients and bioactive compounds among species were found. Lonicera caerulea contained the highest level of K, Ribes L. presented the highest content of Ca, while R. idaeus displayed the highest content of Mg and different micro-elements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Mo). Lonicera caerulea and Ribes L. displayed the highest content of sugars, but the profile of individual sugars differed among each species, with a probable influence on the fruit's organoleptic quality. The most striking result was the polyphenolic contents of L. caerulea which was significantly higher than that of Ribes L. and R. idaeus, two species already known to contain large amounts of these antioxidant compounds. This difference was much higher when the subclass of anthocyanins is considered. These results revealed L. caerulea as a promising species from a nutritional perspective.