Antioxidant Properties of the Native Khechechuri Pear from Western Georgia

Khechechuri is an endemic species of a pear spread over one region of Western Georgia, called Adjara. Pears are a dietary source of bioactive components such as polyphenols and triterpenic acid. In addition to highlighting its gastronomic value, the aim of the article was to examine and compare phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activities in Khechechuri collected from various villages in the Adjara region, namely Adjaristskali, Merisi, Dandalo, Shuakhevi, and Khulo. Five parts of the fruit, the skin, edible pulp, whole pear (skin + pulp), juice, and pomace, were analyzed and the results compared. Our study indicated that the highest total phenolic content was found in the skin of West Georgian pear types (4650 mg/kg.) Moreover, the pomace showed significant amounts of total phenolic content in each of the Khechechuri samples analyzed. Flavonoids were found in each part of the Khechechuri pears, with the notable exception of the fruit juice. A positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the geographical altitude of where the fruits were collected was observed.