Biochemical and nutritional characterization of dragon fruit (Hylocereus species)

Abstract

Nutritional and biochemical composition of dragon fruit (Hylocereus) species H. undatus (fruits with white pulp and pink skin), and H. polyrhizus (fruits with red pulp and pink skin) were investigated to develop the nutritional composition data for dragon fruit and compare the difference between H. undatus and H. polyrhizus. The pH, TSS, total sugar, moisture, ash, protein, and dietary fibre content varied between 4.8 and 5.4, 8–12%, 5.13–7.06%, 82–85%, 0.7–0.85%, 0.90–1.1% and 0.8–1.0%, respectively. Total phenolics and flavonoids content varied between 25 and 55 mg GAE and 15–35 mg CE per 100 g, respectively. H. polyrhizus have a significantly high quantum of phenolics and antioxidant potential than H. undatus. 100 g fruit contained about 120–200 mg K, 30–45 mg Mg, 20–45 mg Ca, 20–35 mg P, 0.70–1.5 mg Fe, and 0.20–0.40 mg Zn. Vitamin C was found maximum (6 mg/100 g), followed by vitamin E (150 μg), pantothenic acid (50 μg), and vitamin K1 (25 μg). It is an ideal fruit for maintaining good health as it has low calories.