Physico-Chemical Characteristics at Three Development Stages in Pomegranate cv. 'Hicaznar'

During the last decade consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been highly recommended, based on the presence of phytochemicals with health protective effects for humans. Apart from these compounds, pomegranate might apport high levels of minerals, however, they arc likely to be affected by cultivar, environment and development stage of fruits. In this study, some physicochemical characteristics along with minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) were determined in fruits in three development stage (immature, unripe and full ripe) of pomegranate cv. 'Hicaznar' grown in Antalya, Turkey. The most of physico-chemical characteristics and concentrations of minerals of pomegranate strongly influenced by development stage. Fruit weight was 7.25 g, 140.57 g and 423.16 g in immature, unripe and full ripe stages. 100 aril weight changed from 0.34 g to 33.21 g during development stage. Soluble solid content were 6.16%, 10.38% and 15.84% in immature, unripe and full ripe stages. The contribution to the intake of minerals was in general high, with special emphasis on the contributions of K, Ca and Mn.