Characteristics and composition of hackberries (Celtis australis L.) from Mediterranean forests`

The characteristics and composition of hackberries (Celtis australis L.) from Mediterranean forests were stablished compared to other fruits. Fresh fractionated in peel (19.8%), flesh (49.7%) stone (29.4%). A very high value soluble solids (53.6 ºBrix) was found the flesh. Chromatographic analysis indicated that mainly sucrose (12.8%), glucose (17.5%) fructose (21.8%). An average antioxidant activity (FRAP) 4000 μmol eq. Fe2+/100 g a DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50) 7 found. properties are due content phenolic compounds flavonoids, 249 28 mg/100 g, respectively, dietary fibre 18 g/100 g. cell wall is constituted by pectins (55.7%) hemicelluloses (44.4%). According these results, hackberry would be considered great interest for its applications as sweeting agent with antioxidant, thickener properties, food industry.