Comparative analysis of fruit quality parameters and volatile compounds in commercially grown citrus cultivars

Abstract

Abstract This study compared key fruit quality parameters among seven commercially grown citrus cultivars (kumquat, limequat, Moro blood, Alacalı calamondin, Lem-onquat, pink lemon, Indio mandarinquat) from different species. Total phenolic content ranged from 92.37 to 550.28 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and total antioxidant capacity varied from 65.03 to 92.74%. Sucrose was identified as the predominant sugar across all cultivars, with the highest content (63.66 g/kg) found in “Moro blood.” Citric acid was the major organic acid present in all varieties, with “Pink lemon” exhibiting the highest level (58.91 g/kg). l -Ascorbic acid, valued for its vitamin and antioxidant properties, reached its peak (1.03 g/kg FW) in the Moro blood variety. Volatile compound analysis was conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) fibres (blue, red, and grey) for both fruit peel and juice. Dl-Limonene was identified as the predominant volatile compound in both peel and juice extracts across all SPME fibres used.