Physico–chemical and nutritional properties of wild jujube (Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) Mill.) fruits under different locations and storage conditions

Abstract

Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) Mill. is a wild nutraceutical plant, belonging to Rhamnaceae family. It is an important shrub which is mostly found in warm tropical Asia and northern Australia. Since time immemorial this plant is best known for its ayurvedic properties. Furthermore, it is recognised for its therapeutic efficiency in curing different diseases all over the globe. Ziziphus oenopolia produces cyclopeptide alkaloids called ziziphines and has major role in biomedical applications. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihepatotoxicity, antiulcer, wound healing, anti- plasmodial and anticancer activity. The objective of this study was to characterise the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of wild jujube (Z. oenopolia) fruits grown in different locations and in various storage conditions. Fruits were collected from multiple locations and analysed for physico-chemical parameters (fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS), sugar content, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds) and nutritional composition at full-ripe stage under different storage treatments. Soil nutrient levels and leaf chlorophyll content were also measured to assess their influence on fruit composition. The results showed that TSS and sugar content increased with storage, while ascorbic acid decreased. Fruit weight and quality varied with location and storage conditions and soil nutrients and leaf chlorophyll affected fruit composition. In conclusion, these fruits are a rich source of minerals and antioxidants with good shelf life, making them a promising candidate for food and medicinal use also their physico-chemical properties are influenced by location and storage conditions. Further research on domestication and optimal storage is recommended for improving fruit quality and utilisation.