Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina

Página creada Zacarias Matilla
 
SEGUIR LEYENDO
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha
                                                               ISSN: 1665-0204
                                                               rbaez@ciad.mx
                                                               Asociación Iberoamericana de Tecnología
                                                               Postcosecha, S.C.
                                                               México

Mineral composition of blueberries
(Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the
northeast region of Argentina
Cabrera, Cecilia; Carlier, Evelin; Zapata, Luz Marina
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, vol. 22, núm. 1, 2021
Asociación Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, S.C., México
Disponible en: https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=81367929007

                                    PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                     Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto     70
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

                                                                                                                                   Reportes Frutas

Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the
northeast region of Argentina
Composición mineral de arándanos (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivados en la región noreste de Argentina

Cecilia Cabrera 1                                                                              Redalyc: https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?
Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina                                                                             id=81367929007
cecilia.cabrera@uner.edu.ar
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4362-5014

Evelin Carlier 2
Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina
evelin.carlier@uner.edu.ar
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5334-4478

Luz Marina Zapata 3
Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina
luzmarina.zapata@uner.edu.ar
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4382-438X
                                                                                                                   Recepción: 19 Abril 2021
                                                                                                                  Aprobación: 17 Junio 2021
                                                                                                                  Publicación: 30 Junio 2021

Abstract:
Essential mineral elements for the human body are present in the fruits. Its content varies between countries and is affected
by climatic conditions, soil conditions and agricultural practices. In Argentina, one of the crops that has gained interest is
the blueberry. However, little is known about its mineral content. Contents of mineral nutrients were evaluated from eight
blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum) from Northeast Argentinian Region and analyze the contribution of these fruits in
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), recommended by the Food and Drug Administration. e evaluated minerals were: calcium,
magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in the varieties Jewel, Misty, Star, Emerald, Snowchaser, O'Neal,
Springhigh and San Joaquín. e content of each mineral depended on the variety. e concentration range of calcium was
54.738-206.104 mg/100 g; magnesium, 31.527-63.025 mg/100 g; potassium, 417.650-1073.058 mg/100 g; iron, 3.274-7.518
mg/100 g; zinc, 1.245-2.761 mg/100 g; copper, 0.470-1.137 mg/100 g and manganese, 0.656-5.163 mg/100 g. e contribution
of these minerals to the DRIs for adults was for calcium 4.2-15.8 %, magnesium 7.5-15.0 %; potassium 8.9-22.8 %; iron 18.2-41.8
%; zinc 11.3-25.1 %; copper 52.2-127.3 % and manganese 28.5-224.5 %. In conclusion, the blueberries could be nutritionally
qualified as an excellent source of manganese, iron and copper and a valuable source of zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Keywords: Mineral content, Dietary Reference Intakes, Food nutrition, Fruits, Blueberries.

Notas de autor

      1    Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Avenida Monseñor Tavella 1450, 3200, Concordia, Argentina.
           cecilia.cabrera@uner.edu.ar, +5493562435808. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4362-5014

      2    Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Avenida Monseñor Tavella 1450, 3200, Concordia, Argentina,
           evelin.carlier@uner.edu.ar, +5493454082526, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5334-4478

      3    Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Avenida Monseñor Tavella 1450, 3200, Concordia, Argentina,
           luzmarina.zapata@uner.edu.ar, +5493454010870, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4382-438X

                                            PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                             Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto                          71
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

Resumen:
En los frutos están presentes elementos minerales biológicamente esenciales para el cuerpo humano. Su contenido varía
ampliamente entre países y se ve afectado por el cultivo, condiciones del suelo, condiciones climáticas y prácticas agrícolas. En
Argentina uno de los cultivos que ha cobrado interés en las últimas décadas es el arándano. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre
la composición mineral de estas bayas. La investigación tuvo el propósito de evaluar el contenido de nutrientes minerales de
ocho variedades de arándanos (Vaccinium corymbosum) de la Región Noreste de Argentina y analizar el aporte de estos frutos
a las Ingestas Dietéticas de Referencia (IDR) recomendadas para minerales por la Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Los
minerales evaluados fueron: calcio, magnesio, potasio, hierro, zinc, cobre y manganeso en las variedades Jewel, Misty, Star, Emerald,
Snowchaser, O´Neal, Springhigh y San Joaquín. El contenido de cada mineral dependió de la variedad. El rango de concentración
de calcio fue 54,738-206,104 mg/100 g; de magnesio, 31,527-63,025 mg/100 g; de potasio, 417,650-1073,058 mg/100 g, de hierro,
3,274-7,518 mg/100 g; de zinc, 1,245-2,761 mg/100 g; de cobre, 0,470-1,137 mg/100 g y de manganeso, 0,656-5,163 mg/100 g.
El aporte de estos minerales a la IDR para adultos por día por la FDA fue para calcio 4,2-15,8 %, magnesio 7,5-15,0 %; potasio
8,9-22,8 %; hierro 18,2-41,8 %; zinc 11,3-25,1 %; cobre 52,2-127,3 % y manganeso 28,5-224,5 %. Por lo expuesto se concluye
que los arándanos de las variedades estudiadas podrían calificarse nutricionalmente como excelente fuente de manganeso, hierro
y cobre y valiosa fuente de zinc, potasio, magnesio y calcio.
Palabras clave: Contenido mineral, Ingestas Dietéticas de Referencia, Nutrición Alimentaria, Frutas, Arándanos.

INTRODUCTION

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) consumption has increased globally in the last five years (Fang et al., 2020). In
Argentina there are 2.887 ha planted. e 97 % of the crop is situated in 3 zones: Northwest Argentinian
Region which is formed by the provinces of Tucumán, Catamarca and Salta; Northeast Argentinian Region
which includes Entre Ríos, Corrientes and a little part of Misiones and the Central Region composed by the
province of Buenos Aires (Figure 1). e main producing provinces are Tucumán and Entre Ríos, with a
74.8 % of planted area (MAGyP, 2020).
   According to the Directorate of Agricultural Production, in 2019, 17.400 t of blueberries were produced
in the country. 75 % of the total production was exported as fresh blueberry, 15 % was exported as frozen
blueberry and the remaining 10 % was for the intern market. In 2019 Argentina exported 12.468 t of fresh
blueberries, 56 % of the production was destined for the United States, 18 % to Netherlands, followed by
Germany (8 %), Spain (6 %), Canada (5 %), United Kingdom (2 %), among others.

                                           PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                            Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto          72
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

                                                       FIGURE 1
                     Main producing regions of blueberries in Argentina: Northwest
                 Argentinian Region, Northeast Argentinian Region and Central Region.
                                                  Source: MAGyP, 2020

  Table 1 show the harvest calendar (in weeks and months) of varieties which are produced in Argentina.
e blueberry production is affected by the variety, agro-climatic conditions of each region; due to that the
harvest starts in the Northwest Argentinian Region (week 33 to 47), followed by the Northeast Argentinian
Region (week 37 to 49) and finally the Central Region (week 40 onwards) (MAGyP, 2020).

                                     PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                      Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   73
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

                                                          TABLE 1
                                    Harvest calendar of blueberries in Argentina

                                                     Source: MAGyP, 2020

   Recent advances in nutrition science have shown that the diet has a potential effect on human health
and development (Wolfe et al., 2008; Silva et al., 2010). Because of that is recommended to improve the
consumption of fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are rich sources of bioactive compounds, dietary fiber and
minerals. Bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds are frequently studied;
not so the essential mineral elements, in spite of being important components of fruits (Karlsons et al., 2018).
   In fruits are present biologically essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus,
copper, iron, manganese, zinc, among others (Ekholm et al., 2007; Veloso et al., 2020). However, the mineral
content varies widely between countries (Ekholm et al., 2007; Sachini et al., 2020). Little is known about
mineral composition of blueberries cultivated in Argentina and its contribution to the nutritional daily needs
of the human body.
   e mineral contents of plants are affected by the cultivar of plant, soil conditions, weather conditions
during the growing, use of fertilizers and the state of the plants maturity at harvest time (Ekholm et al., 2007;
Veloso et al., 2020).
   e World Health Organization recommends the daily consumption of fruits and fresh vegetables to
help prevent non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. erefore, is
important to quantify the mineral content in the fruits (Ekholm et al., 2007; Bowen-Forbes et al., 2010;
Tsantili et al., 2010), with the purpose of analyzing the contribution of these to the recommended dietary
allowances.
   e objective of this study was evaluating the nutritional mineral contents of eight blueberry varieties
(Vaccinium corymbosum) from Northeast Argentinian Region and analyzing the contribution of these fruits
to the Dietary Reference Intakes recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fruit collection

e present study was carried out on blueberries crops (Vaccinium corymbosum) of Northeast Argentinian
Region. Blueberry fruits of the varieties Jewel, Misty, Star, Emerald, Snowchaser, O´Neal, Springhigh y San
Joaquín were collected, in their physiological maturity, during 2017, 2018 and 2019.
   Immediately aer the berries were harvested, they were placed in 125 g packaging and taken to the
laboratory under refrigerated conditions.
   In the laboratory, the blueberries were rinsed with potable water and ultra-pure water, drained and stored
at -18 °C until analytical testing was realized.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   74
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

  In the berries moisture and mineral contents were quantified.

Analytical techniques

Moisture content

5 g of blueberries were cut in half and dried in an oven with forced ventilation (RAYPA, SPAIN) at a
temperature of 105 °C until constant weighing (AOAC 23.003:2003).

Mineral Content Analyses

e fruits were cut in halves, placed on trays, oven-dried (RAYPA, SPAIN) at 60 ± 2 °C until constant
weight and they were crushed with a mill (GT3A, IDEC, GERMANY). en, 5 g of sample was placed in a
crucible and calcined at 550 ± 2 °C in a muffle (ME4-10J BIOBASE BIODUSTRY, CHINA) for 5 h. 3 mL
of 70 % nitric acid was added to the calcined samples and were completed with ultra-pure water to a final
volume of 25 mL. In the supernatant, the content of each mineral was quantified.
   Element concentrations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese) were
determined according to the method adopted from Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC)
using a Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (4210 Series MP-AES, Agilent Technologies, USA)
with nitrogen generator (GENIUS 3055, PEAK, USA). AccuStandard standard solutions were used for the
construction of the calibration curves.
   Each trial was performed in triplicate. Mineral concentrations were expressed as mg mineral/100 g of fresh
blueberries (mg/100 g).
   e conditions in which the analytes were quantified are those shown in Table 2.
   All chemical analysis were done in the Laboratorio de Análisis de Metales en Alimentos y Otros Sustratos
(LAMAS) (Facultad de Ciencias de la Alimentación - Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos).

                                     PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                      Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   75
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

                                                          TABLE 2
                         Mineral detection conditions in Plasma Atomic Emission
                  Spectrophotometer (4210 Series MP-AES, Agilent Technologies, USA)

                                  * In the equation of the curve I= Intensity, C= Concentration.

Statistical analysis

e differences between the moisture and mineral contents of blueberry samples were analyzed with variance
analysis (ANOVA) and Fisher's least significant differences (LSD) procedure (p < 0.05). e soware used
was STATGRAPHICS Centurion XVI v.16.1.1, USA.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Calcium

Calcium was one of the minerals which presented major variability among varieties. Concentration was
between 54.738 and 206.104 mg/100 g (Figure 2). Variety Snowchaser reached the highest values, followed
by Jewel, Emerald, Star-Misty-O´Neal, San Joaquín and Springhigh with 14, 30, 48, 70 and 73 % minor
calcium concentrations than Snowchaser, respectively.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   76
Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated in the northeast region of Argentina
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

                                                         FIGURE 2
                          Calcium content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                    Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, there is a 90 % in the skeleton and the remaining
10 % is present in the muscles and blood plasma. is mineral is essential for the human body, because it
takes part in muscle fiber contractions, blood clotting, bones and teeth formation, hormonal secretion and
the functioning of the nervous system (FDA, 2020).
   e nutritional value of studied blueberries as dietary source of minerals is linked with its contribution to
the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Table 3
shows for each variety, the mineral contribution to the Percent Daily Value (%DV), according to the DRIs
recommended by the FDA for adults per day (FDA, 2020).
   As stated by the FDA (2020) the DRIs is mg/d, consequently 100 g of fresh blueberries provide 4.2 to
15.8 % of the % VD, depending on the variety.
                                                            TABLE 3
                Mineral contribution to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommended
                  by the Food and Drug Administration for adults per day (FDA, 2020)

                                       PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                        Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   77
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

   As maintained by other authors, the calcium concentration for fresh blueberries from the USA is 6 mg/100
g (García-Rubio et al., 2018) and between 6.6 to 15.2 mg/100 g to wild blueberries from Latvia (Karlsons et
al., 2018). Our research revealed a higher calcium concentration, with results among 4 and 34 times higher,
than the publications mentioned.

Magnesium

Regarding magnesium, significant differences were observed between the means of concentrations, taking
values between 31.527 and 63.025 mg/100 g (Figure 3). Jewel, Emerald and Snowchaser showed similar
magnesium concentrations, reaching the highest values of this mineral. Springhigh and Star had 24.2 % less
magnesium than the varieties mentioned; whilst O´Neal had 36.5 % less; Misty 43 % and San Joaquín 48.4
% less of this mineral.

                                                        FIGURE 3
                       Magnesium content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                   Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Magnesium participates in calcium metabolism, in the synthesis of vitamin D, the formation of the mineral
structure of the skeleton, energy production, muscle contraction and heart rate. In addition, is necessary for
the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (FDA, 2020).
   Considering that the DRIs by the FDA (2020) is 420 mg/d, 100 g of fresh blueberries provide 7.5 to 15.0
% of the % DV.
   Our studies stated 2 to 14 times higher values in comparison with the fresh blueberries from São Paulo
(Brazil), which reached values of 4.92 ± 0.06 mg/100 g (Ríos de Souza et al., 2014); while the Finland
blueberries reported results of 6.32 to 16.4 mg/100 g (Ekholm et al., 2007), the USA blueberries, 6 mg/100g
(García-Rubio et al., 2018), finally the Latvia blueberries with a 4.5 to 10.1 mg/100 g.

Potassium

e higher mineral concentration present in the blueberries was of potassium. Its content depends on variety,
which varied between 417.650 to 1073.058 mg/100g (Figure 4). ese values were 5 times higher than

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   78
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

calcium content and 17 times higher than magnesium. is fact was probably due to potassium being more
mobile in the xylem and phloem than calcium and magnesium, additionally this element tends to be more
concentrated in various parts of the plant (Dróżdż et al., 2018).

                                                        FIGURE 4
                        Potassium content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                   Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   e berries which showed major content of that mineral were Jewel and Emerald, while Star presented
a lower potassium content 27 % than the varieties mentioned and Misty, Snowchaser and O´Neal, a 35 %;
San Joaquín, 54 % and Springhigh a 60 % less.
   In the human being, potassium is the most important intracellular cation. It has the function of regulating
blood pressure, helping muscle contraction and keeping the heart rate constant, producing protein, breaking
down and using carbohydrates, and controlling acid-base balance (FDA, 2020).
   e FDA (2020) recommends a DRIs of 4.700 mg/d, thus 100 g of fresh blueberries provide among 8.9
to 22.8 % VD.
   In the present study, the potassium content was greater than other reports, obtaining values between 4
and 85 times higher than others published. Ríos de Souza et al. (2014) found values of 70.13 ± 0.81 mg/100
g, while Ekholm et al. (2007) reported values among 12.65 and 88.5 mg/100 g, García-Rubio et al. (2018),
77 mg/100g and Karlsons et al. (2018), between 66.2 and 98.0 mg/100 g.

Iron

e iron concentration range was 3.274 – 7.518 mg/100 g (Figure 5). e highest concentration was detected
in Jewel, followed by Emerald, San Joaquín, Star and Misty; which presented 17, 33, 36 and 42 % less iron
than the Jewel berries. No significant differences were found among the Snowchaser, O´Neal and Springhig
varieties; these berries had a 54 % less iron than Jewel.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   79
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

                                                        FIGURE 5
                            Iron content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                   Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Iron plays an important role in the functioning of the human body. is mineral is mainly involved in
energy production, growth and development, immune function and red blood cell formation (FDA, 2020).
   e DRIs is 18 mg/d (FDA, 2020), consequently 100 g of fresh blueberries supplies 18.2 to 41.8 % VD,
depending on the variety.
   Published literature indicates iron concentrations of 0.28 mg/100 g for fresh blueberries from the USA
(García-Rubio et al., 2018), 1.24 ± 0.01 mg/100 g for blueberries from Brazil (Ríos de Souza et al., 2014),
between 0.21 and 0.39 mg/100, from Finland (Ekholm et al., 2007) and 0.25 – 0.59 mg/100g for blueberries
from Latvia (Karlsons et al., 2018). erefore, argentinian blueberries had among 3 and 36 times more iron
than the ones before mentioned by other authors.

Zinc

e zinc concentration in Misty berries reached 2.761 mg/100 g, while Snowchaser berries, 1.245 mg/100
g (Figure 6). e other varieties had values between the results before mentioned. O´Neal had 20 % less of
this mineral than Misty, on the other hand Star, 35 % less; Emerald and Sprhinghigh, 42 %; Jewel, 49 % and
Snowchaser and San Joaquín, 54 %.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   80
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

                                                        FIGURE 6
                            Zinc content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                   Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Zinc has different functions in the human body, such as its intervention in growth and development,
immune system function and nervous system and protein formation (FDA, 2020).
   e DRIs is 11 mg/d (FDA, 2020), in consequence 100 g of the studied varieties of blueberries provide
11.3 to 25.1 % VD.
   Also, the zinc content of studied blueberries revealed concentrations considerably major concentrations
than those reported in the literature, reaching values between 0.13 and 21 times higher. e collected samples
from the USA had zinc concentrations of 0.16 mg/100 g (García-Rubio et al., 2018), those collected in Brazil,
0.13 ± 0.00 mg/100 g (Ríos de Souza et al., 2014); those from Finland, 2.21 - 3.65 mg/100 g (Ekholm et al.,
2007) and the samples collected in Latvia, 0.08 – 0.12 mg/100 g (Karlsons et al., 2018).

Copper

Copper concentrations varied between 0.470 and 1.137 mg/100 g (Figure 7). Jewel, Misty and O´Neal
obtained the highest concentrations, not finding significant differences between the means of those varieties;
followed by Star, Snowchaser, Springhigh, Emerald and San Joaquín with 23, 31, 34, 45 and 58 % less copper
content; respectively.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   81
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

                                                       FIGURE 7
                         Copper content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                  Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Copper helps to produce energy, to maintain the nervous system, and is involved in the formation of
bones, connective tissues and blood vessels (FDA, 2020).
   e FDA (2020) recommends a DRIs of 0.9 mg/d. e supply of 100 g of the studied blueberries
contributes between 52.2 and 127.3 % VD; so that the consumption of 80 g of Jewel, O´Neal or Misty would
be enough to reach the DRIs recommended by FDA.
   Published values of 0.055 mg/100 g were found for blueberries from Finland (Ekholm et al., 2007);
0.06 mg/100g for berries from the USA (García-Rubio et al., 2018) and between 0.01 and 0.09 mg/100g
for blueberries from Latvia (Karlsons et al., 2018). erefore, the varieties in the present study reached
concentrations between 5 and 114 times higher than those mentioned.

Manganese

Manganese was the mineral in which there was more variability among the varieties. Snowchaser showed
the highest concentration, reaching 5.163 mg/100g; while Misty obtained the lower concentration with
0.656 mg/100 g (Figure 8). On the other hand, O´Neal and Star did not have significant differences in
manganese content, these varieties had 25 % less than Snowchaser; followed by Emerald with 43 %, Jewel,
59 %; Springhigh, 72 % and San Joaquín with 76 % less manganese.

                                     PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                      Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   82
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

                                                        FIGURE 8
                        Manganese content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
                   Different letters between bars indicate significant differences between the means (p< 0.05).

   Manganese is used by the body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol; in the
formation of cartilage and bones and in blood clotting (FDA, 2020).
   e DRIs recommended by FDA (2020) is 2.3 mg/d, so that 100 g of fresh blueberries supply among 28.5
and 224.5 % VD. e amount of Snowchaser blueberries to cover the DRIs is 45 g, as for Star, Emerald and
O´Neal is 66 g.
   Published studies by García-Rubio et al. (2018) reported manganese concentrations of 0.34 mg/100 g and
Karlsons et al (2018) obtained values between 0.14 and 1.52 mg/100 g. Consequently, the concentrations
recorded in the present study were between 0.4 and 37 times higher than those published by the before
mentioned researchers.
   e differences in the content of the minerals studied and those published by other researchers for
blueberries grown in other latitudes was attributed to the different soil conditions, the use of fertilizers
and the agricultural practices used in the cultivation of these berries (Ekholm et al., 2007). Unpublished
studies carried out by the research group indicated that blueberries in the Northeast Argentinian Region
are grown in soils with the following characteristics: pH 3.90-5.00, electrical conductivity 0.15-0.93 mS/
cm, organic matter 2.2-4.68 g/100g, total nitrogen 100-200 mg/kg, extractable phosphorus 32.03-96.8 mg/
kg, exchangeable sodium 0.03-0.93 cmol(+)/kg, exchangeable potassium 0.04-0.29 cmol(+)/kg, exchangeable
calcium 0.26-0.83 cmol(+)/kg and exchangeable magnesium 0.26-0.83 cmol(+)/kg.

Moisture content

Regarding moisture content, the different varieties of blueberries did not show significant differences, the
average value was 86.69 ± 1.68 g/100g (Figure 8). is moisture content was similar to that reported by
Ríos de Souza et al. (2014) who published humidity values of 87.70 ± 0.14 g/100g, and those registered by
Ekholm et al. (2007), who registered values between 86.0 and 88.7 g/100 g.

                                      PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                       Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   83
Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 2021, vol. 22, núm. 1, Enero-Junio, ISSN: 1665-0204

                                                            FIGURE 9
                            Moisture content in different varieties of fresh blueberries.
              Equal letters between bars indicates that there were no significant differences between the means (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Blueberries could be classified as an excellent source of manganese, iron and copper and a valuable source of
zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Our studies regarding the mineral elements showed statistically
significant differences between blueberry varieties. Jewel and Emerald were those which stated greater
contributions to the Dietary Reference Intakes, recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for
adults per day. e variety which reached the higher values of calcium and manganese was Snowchaser,
Emerald, of potassium; Jewel, of iron and magnesium; O'Neal, of copper and Misty, of zinc. e present
research shows that the studied blueberries are a valuable source of minerals, capable of contributing to the
Dietary Reference Intakes recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for adults per day.

Acknowledgments

e work reported in this paper was funded by the Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina.

REFERENCES

AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemistry). Official Methods of Analysis, 17th ed. 2003. Washington, DC:
     USA.
Bowen-Forbes, C.S., Y. Zhang, and M.G. Nair. 2010. Anthocyanin content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and
     anticancer properties of blackberry and raspberry fruits. J. Food Compos. Anal. 23:554–560. doi: 10.1016/
     j.jfca.2009.08.012
Dróżdż, P., V. Šėžienė, and K. Pyrzynska. 2018. Mineral composition of wild and cultivated blueberries. Biological
     Trace Element Research, 181:173-1778. doi 10.1007/s12011-017-1033-z
Ekholm P., E., R. Heli, M. Pirjo, P. Heikki, K. Jani, H. Anu, H. Jarkko, and O. Marja-Leena. 2007. Changes in the
     mineral and trace element contents of cereals, fruits and vegetables in Finland. Jornal of Food Composition and
     Analysis 20:487-495. doi: 10.1016/j.jfca.2007.02.007

                                         PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                          Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto         84
Cecilia Cabrera, et al. Mineral composition of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivated ...

Fang, Y., G.H. Nunez, M.N. da Silva, D.A. Phillips, and P.R. Munoz. 2020. A review for Southern Blueberry alternative
       production systems. Agronomy, 10:1 -15. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10101531w
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2020. Valor Diario y Porcentaje de Valor Diario: Cambios en las nuevas
       etiquetas de información nutricional y complementaria. https://www.fda.gov/media/137914/download, acceso
       28-03-2021.
García-Rubio, J.C., G.G. González de Lena, and M. Ciordia-Ara. 2018. El cultivo de arándano en el norte de
       España. SERIDA (Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario). Gobierno del principado
       de Asturias. Conserjería de desarrollo rural y recursos naturales.
Karlsons, A., A. Osvalde, G. Cekstere, and J. Pormale. 2018. Research on the mineral composition of cultivated and
       wild blueberries and cranberries. Agronomy Research 16:454-463. https://doi.org/10.15159/AR.18.039
MAGyP (Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca Argentina). 2020. Arándanos: Evolución de los principales
       indicadores del sector productivo. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/arandanos-oct-2020.pdf ,
       acceso 26 de marzo de 2021.
Ríos de Souza, V., Pimenta-Pereira P.A., da Silva T.L., de Oliveira Lima L.C., Pio R., and F. Queiroz. 2014.
       Determination of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and chemical composition of Brazilian
       Blackberry, red raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and sweet cherry fruits. Food Chemistry 156:362-368. http://
       dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.01.125
Sachini, R., C.A. Steffens, M.S. de Martin, B. Schveitzer, C.L. Fenili, and J.L. Petri. 2020. Mineral contents in
       the skin and flesh of fruits of apple cultivars. Revista Brasilera de Fruticultura, 42:1-8. doi: http://dx.doi.org
       /10.1590/0100-29452020572
Silva, M.L.C., R.S. Costa, A.S. Santana, and M.B.G. Koblitz. 2010. Compostos fenólicos, carotenóides e atividade
       antioxidante em produtos vegetais. Semina 31:669–681. http://www.uel.br/revistas/uel/index.php/semagrari
       as/article/viewFile/6510/5926
Veloso, A., R. de Sousa, and C. Sempiterno. 2020. Mineral composition of the fruits of five quince cultivars in the
       Portuguese region of Alcobaça. 220 Revista de Ciências Agrárias, 43:220-230.
Wolfe, K.L., X. Kang, X. He, M. Dong, Q. Zhang, and R.H. Liu. 2008. Celular antioxidant activity of common fruits.
       J. Agric. Food Chem. 56:8418–8426. doi: 10.1021/jf801381y

                                        PDF generado a partir de XML-JATS4R por Redalyc
                         Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto   85
También puede leer