CATECHIN AND PROCYANIDIN COMPOSITION OF SEEDS FROM GRAPE CULTIVARS GROWN IN ONTARIO

The quantities of 11 flavan-3-ols were determined using HPLC in the se eds of 17 vinifera, hybrid, and labrusca type red and white grape cult ivars grown in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada. The ranges of co ncentrations (mg/100 g of seeds) were as follows: (+)-catechin, 21-244 ; (-)-epicatechin, 23-284; B1, 3-62; B2, 9-106; B3, trace-71; B4, 2-14 9; B1-3-O-gallate, trace-74; B2-3-O-gallate, trace-26; B2-3'-O-gallate , trace-ii; C1, 0-10; T2, trace-76. The monomers (+)catechin and (-)-e picatechin were present in most cultivars in greater quantities than a ny one of the procyanidins. In all but three cultivars, B2 was the mos t abundant procyanidin and the galloylated procyanidins were present i n considerably lower concentrations than the nongalloylated ones. Cult ivar influenced the flavan-3-ol composition of the seeds. Gamay, Pinot noir, Baco noir, and Vincent seed were the best sources for these com pounds among the cultivars examined.