ARS | Publication request: Levels of b-carotene, ascorbic acid and total phenols in the pulp of five commercial varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Submitted to: Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 2009
Publication Date: March 19, 2010
Citation: Manthey, J.A., Perkins-Veazie, P. 2009. Levels of ß-carotene, ascorbic acid and total phenols in the pulp of five commercial varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L.). Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 122:303-307.

Interpretive Summary: Five varieties of mangoes were harvested from 4 countries at different harvest dates. The antioxidant contents (beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenols) were measured. Much higher amounts occurred in the “Ataulfo” mango in comparison to “Kent”, “Keitt”, “Tommy Atkins”, and “Hadin”. Harvest locations and dates had very little consistent effect on antioxidant contents.

Technical Abstract: Five varieties of mangoes from four countries were evaluated with multiple harvests over a year to compare the ß-carotene, total phenol, and ascorbic acid levels of the fruit pulp. Only soft fruit (0.5 to 1 N compression) with a minimum of 10% soluble solids were used for these measurements to minimize ripeness variability. Ascorbic acid ranged from 11 to 134 mg/100 g pulp puree, and ß-carotene varied from 5 to 30 mg/kg among the five varieties. Total phenolic content ranged from 19.5 to 166.7 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g puree. The varieties, ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Kent’, ‘Keitt’, and ‘Haden’ had similar total phenolic contents, averaging 31.2±7.8 mg GAE/100g puree, whereas ‘Ataulfo’ contained substantially higher values. Country of origin and harvest dates had only minor influences on these parameters.