Mlcmm. Alarcao-e-silva et al., The Arbutus berry: Studies on its color and chemical characteristics at two mature stages, J FOOD COMP, 14(1), 2001, pp. 27-35
This study aims at the determination of some physical and chemical characte
ristics of strawberry-tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.), a typical Mediterranea
n climate species, namely of the Portuguese region of Algarve. It intends t
o be a contribution to its valorization and other applications following re
search by other scientists and local development associations as far as a b
etter quality of alcoholic distillate of arbutus berry is concerned. Arbutu
s berry appears to be a good source of vitamins, namely niacin, ascorbic ac
id and beta -carotene (content of 9.1, 346.3 and 70.9 mg/100 g, respectivel
y), organic acids (nearly 9%), total sugars (c. 42%) and tannins (1.75 mg g
(-1)). (C) 2001 Academic Press.