Comprehensive Nutrient Profiling and Untargeted Metabolomic Assessment of Siraitia grosvenorii from Different Regions and Varying Degrees of Processing

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to compare the nutrition and metabolite profiles of Siraitia grosvenorii from different regions (namely Yongfu and Longsheng) and processing stages. Our findings showed that fresh Siraitia grosvenorii from Longsheng contained higher levels of total sugars, protein, and crude fat compared with those from Yongfu, though both regions had similar dietary fiber and ash content. Dried Yongfu Siraitia grosvenorii showed increased nutrient levels. A mineral analysis revealed that fresh Siraitia grosvenorii from Yongfu had the highest levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium along with distinct differences in other mineral concentrations compared with Longsheng. Notably, fresh Yongfu fruits had higher mineral content than dried ones, except for aluminum and selenium. Through an untargeted metabolomics analysis, we identified 470 metabolites, showing significant variation between fresh samples from Yongfu and Longsheng and between fresh and dried Yongfu samples. Key metabolites included carboxylic acids, fatty acyls, and organooxygen compounds. Additionally, we observed significant enrichment in metabolic pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism, with notable differences in metabolite regulation depending on the region and processing stage. These findings highlight the influence of regional environmental factors and drying processes on the nutrient and metabolite composition of Siraitia grosvenorii.