Phenotypic variation in physico-chemical properties among cactus pear fruits (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller) from Turkey

Several physico-chemical properties such as fruit weight and dimensions, skin width, external and internal fruit color, vitamin A, vitamin C, acidity, pH, soluble solid content, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of twenty five selected promising cactus pear accessions were determined. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of fruits were determined by β-Caroten bleaching and Folin-Ciocalteu assays. The results showed great qualitative and quantitative differences in the physico-chemical characteristics of cactus pear accessions. Vitamin A (beta carotene) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content of genotypes were found between 2.64 and 25.13 (μg/g) and 18.04 and 37.31 mg/100 g. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of cactus pear genotypes were between 45.5-76.8% and 19.4-49.4 mg gallic acid equivalent per g dry weight basis. The results provide important information on how to make the best use of cactus pear genotypes investigated for different uses, which is of significance for both technological research and processing practice.