Studies On the Major Components and Antioxidative Properties of Whole Fruit Powder and Juice Prepared from Premature Mandarin Orange

Major components and antioxidative properties of whole fruit powders and juices prepared from premature mandarin, Citrus unshu, were investigated. Dietary fiber, flavonoid, and organic acid contents greatly increased in samples with lower degree of fruit maturity (August) than higher ones (October), and in whole fruit powders than extracted juices, whereas free sugar contents, especially sucrose content, increased in fruits with higher degree of maturity than lower ones. Antioxidative properties were not affected by degree of fruit maturity, whereas total polyphenol content and electron-donating abilities were higher in extracted juices than whole fruit powders. Nitrite-scavenging abilities of all samples were similar except at pH 6.0.