Investigation on Phytochemicals and Nutritional Values of Three Passion Fruit Species Planted in Lam Dong Plateau

Abstract

This study comprehensively evaluated and compared the nutrient contents, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and anti-nutritional factors of three passion fruit species, namely purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis), yellow passion fruit (<i>Passiflora edulis</i> var. flavicarpa), and sweet granadilla fruit (<i>Passiflora ligularis</i>). The passion fruit samples were collected from various gardens throughout the Lam Dong plateau - Vietnam. The analyses were performed as per standard test methods. <i>Passiflora edulis</i> f. edulis had high contents of carbohydrates, fat, vitamin K1, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine whereas <i>Passiflora edulis</i> var. flavicarpa was rich in carbohydrates and vitamins group B including B3, B6, and B9. <i>Passiflora ligularis</i>, on the contrary, primarily provided essential nutrients of protein, vitamins A, and C, and minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. All three studied passion fruit species generally possessed moderate values of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants; the same pattern was also observed with antinutrients as all three studied passion fruit species were found to contain low concentrations of phytate, tannin, and oxalate. These findings scientifically contribute to the food database system and can be exploited for diet planning.