SEVERAL PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHERRY LAUREL (LAUROCERASUS OFFICINALIS ROEM.) FRUITS

Eight cherry laurel genotypes sampled from Black Sea region in Turkey were examined for their soluble solid content, fruit skin colour, total anthocyanin, fatty acids, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity Linoleic acid was determined as the major fatty acid in all cherry laurel genotypes (41.44-53.89%) and was followed by oleic acid (15.40-27.13%). The total phenolic content in cherry laurel genotypes was observed between 24.36 and 75.27 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry matter basis. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in genotype TRZ5 as 89.86% which was higher than the standard BHA (88.34%). These results suggest that the cherry laurel fruits are good natural source of antioxidants and potentially can be used as parental material in variety breeding studies.