Investigations of anthocyanins, organic acids, and sugars show great variability in nutritional and medicinal value of European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) fruit

Abstract

The rising interest in nutraceutical-rich foods in relation to human health has resulted the increased use of cranberries in the modern diet. Berries of wild European cranberry clones and cultivars show great variation in yield, colour and quantities of biologically active compounds. In the present study, we estimated the production of different phytochemical components in 40 genotypes of Vaccinium oxycoccos. Our main goal was to identify genotypes that have superior biochemical properties, such as high levels of anthocyanins, organic acids and easily digestible sugars. As a result, wild clones of Lithuanian origin and certified cultivars were selected as the most valuable in terms of total amount of anthocyanins, organic acid, fructose and glucose concentrations.