Phenolic profiles, phytochemical composition and vitamin C content of selected horticultural produce from Central Queensland

Abstract The Central Queensland region of Australia is a large producer horticultural produce; however, there are limited studies on the phytochemical composition produce from this region. Additionally, some crops or cultivars poorly known in domestic markets; hence currently only grown for niche markets. There opportunity to expand production these if they contain higher levels health-benefiting compounds compared existing cultivars. Hence work aimed elucidate such under-marketed and/or under-utilised crops, including their phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles. samples included nine cucurbits, two citrus fruits, dragonfruit Brazilian cherry. vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, while profiles were gathered targeted chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Antioxidant activity FRAP CUPRAC assays, total measured Folin-Ciocalteu assay. results revealed extensive variation between samples. several species/cultivars reported first time. highest ascorbic found blood orange skin (817 mg/100 g DW), (1988 mg GAE/100 g). Samples showing high antioxidant capacity skin, cherry spaghetti squash. These may support prospect marketing crops/cultivars as functional food export