Study of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Different Strawberries Consumed in Morocco

Abstract

In Morocco, dietary habits are associated with excessive consumption of red meat and fatty foods, as well as foods that are high in sugar such as bread and cakes, while vegetables and fruits are consumed in insufficient quantities. However, fruits and vegetables are of great nutritional importance, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and help prevent several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and tumors. Strawberries, known for their sweet and tangy taste, are consumed with a variety of products from different origins in Morocco. This present work consists of the study of the organoleptic, physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic, and total flavonoid, Magnesium, Calcium, Chloride, Glucose, Polyphenols, and Flavonoids of nine samples of strawberries cultivated in different regions of Gharb (East of Morocco). The contents of magnesium, calcium, chloride, and fluoride vary from 19.4 to 34 mg/100 g, from 13.5 to 48.1 mg/100 g, from 82 to 1609 mg/100 g, and from 0.03 to 0.04 mg/l, respectively. The amounts of sucrose, glucose ranged from 0.6 to 1.3 g/100g and from 1.35 to 2.45 g/100 g, respectively. The total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) range from 61 to 151 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g of fresh weight and from 56 to 236 mg Quercetin equivalents (QE) /100 g of fresh weight, respectively. The strawberry sample grown in the Moulay Bousselham region has Ca, Cl, Mg, F, glucose, sucrose, and polyphenols superior to those of the samples cultivated in the regions of Larache and Benslimane. The results of the different samples of strawberries reveal the characteristics of acid nature, rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, citric acid and low in sugars. The variation of the different physicochemical parameters in strawberries varieties allows to classify strawberry samples according to their nutritional qualities, dietary interest and bring selection criteria for the consumer. These works aim to improve dietary habits by introducing new foods into meals, with the aim of improving the nutritional quality of the population.