Phytochemical composition of the large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)

Abstract

The berries of the closely related large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) species are characterized by the accumulation of high concentrations of a diverse set of biologically active substances. Breeders have selected large and small cranberry cultivars with high contents of biologically active substances in the United States, Russia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Both cranberry species have been shown to be sources of phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids. Flavonoids were identified as the dominant compounds among over 150 individual components detected in the cultivars of the large cranberry. A comparison of different cultivars demonstrated differences in biochemical composition as functions of the specific cultivars, berry ripeness stage, harvesting time, and environmental conditions.