Growing Location Affects Physical Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate Fruit (Punica granatum L. var. Gabsi)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum. L) has gained much attention as a functional food and nutraceutical source. Pomegranate fruit quality depends on climate and growing conditions. The aim of this research was to evaluate the physical properties, phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins contents, mineral composition as well as antioxidant activity of 'Gabsi' pomegranates grown in different regions (northern, southern, and center of Tunisia). A significant variation was recorded for most quality attributes. However, weight, height, diameter, chroma (C), DPPH antioxidant activity and potassium content did not significantly differ among the three studied regions. The northern Tunisia gave colorful fruits with high zinc and copper contents, high anthocyanins, phenols contents and exhibited high antioxidant activity. Temperature has affected negatively total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, while a positive relationship was observed between them, rainfall, and relative humidity. Zerkine, a warmer and drier region, produced fruits with an intense red color, heavier and thicker skin and juice rich in flavonoids, sodium, and magnesium levels. However, pomegranates grown in center of Tunisia presented high aril yield, juice yield and high magnesium, sodium, and manganese contents. Also, a correlation analysis reported a significant relationship between sodium, magnesium contents, temperature, and relative humidity. This study provides a clear understanding on the impact of environment on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and allows guiding for a better selection of the growing location to improve pomegranate fruit quality.