In this study, the quality of minimally processed different Iranian pomegranate genotypes was investigated during storage at 4 °C for 14 days. The results showed that at the end of storage time, the lowest microbial count was found on the arils of "Torsh Syabe Lorestan" genotype. There was a significant difference in titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total anthocyanin, catechin, and quercetin content in most genotypes after 14-day cold storage; while no difference was found between studied genotypes in antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, and flavonoid content. In general, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of pomegranate arils gradually decreased over storage time. Diphenolase activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme with dopamine hydrochloride substrate and peroxidase (POD) decreased over storage time, whereas diphenolase activity of PPO with pyrocatechol substrate significantly increased. The lowest diphenolase activity with dopamine hydrochloride and pyrocatechol substrates, as well as POD activity was found in Torsh Syabe Lorestan. The results suggested that the genotype of Torsh Syabe Lorestan, which showed the lowest microbial count on the arils and enzymes, could be more appropriate for minimal processing technology.
Keywords: Anthocyanin; Antioxidant; Minimal processing; Polyphenol oxidase; Polyphenols; Pomegranate.