Characterization and evaluation of major anthocyanins in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel of different cultivars and their development phases

Three red pomegranate cultivars of different coloration in China (Lvbaoshi, Hongbaoshi, Moshiliu) were analyzed quantitatively during ripening for individual anthocyanin (AC) pigment content. For the first time, anthocyanin peonidin-hexoside and flavonol myricetin-hexoside were tentatively identified in Moshiliu pomegranate. Cy3G, Pg3G, and Cy3,5dG were the first three major ACs in Hongbaoshi and followed a similar changing pattern with ripening time. Large amounts of Cy3G and Dp3G were found in dark red Moshiliu cultivar, exhibiting a similar pattern over time. The main concentration of Cy3G was 53.52 mg 100 g(-1), which was 35-fold and 12-fold higher compared to Lvbaoshi and Hongbaoshi cultivar. The main concentration of Dp3G reached 34.36 mg 100 g(-1) which was generally 68-fold and 82-fold higher than Lvbaoshi and Hongbaoshi. The main concentration of Cy3,5dG, Cy3G, and Pg3G levels in Hongbaoshi presented significant differences during ripening period (p < 0.05) compared with the Lvbaoshi cultivar. The AC profile was linked closely to the level of pigmentation. The results highlighted that cultivars and development phases influenced AC profile significantly. Data derived from study of the ratio between diglucosides and monoglucosides led to characterize the ACs in three different red pomegranate fruits.