BASIC NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF CORNELIAN CHERRY (CORNUS MAS L.) CULTIVARS GROWN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins and mineral content, together with antioxidant activity, was determined in five Czech, two Ukrainian and two Austrian cultivars of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) widely grown in the Czech Republic. Ascorbic acid content varied between 199-433 mg kg(-1), total polyphenols between 2174-6143 mg kg(-1), and total anthocyanins between 61-253 mg kg(-1). All fruits were good sources of major metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn) and trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Cr). The antioxidant activity was determined by EPR and DPPH radical scavenging assay and ranged from 29.5% to 67.2%. There was a linear relationship between antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content. Based on the obtained results, Ekotisnovsky, Fruchtal, and Ruzynsky cultivars were recommended for further investigation and breeding programme of cornelian cherry fruit in the Czech Republic.