Investigations of anthocyanins, organic acids, and sugars show great variability in nutritional value of European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) fruit

Abstract

Increased consumer interest in nutraceutical-rich foods in relation to human health has resulted in the increased use of cranberries in the modern diet. Berries of wild European cranberry clones and cultivars show great variation in yield, colour and quantities of biologically active compounds. In the present study, we estimate the production of different phytochemical components in 40 genotypes of Vaccinium oxycoccos. Our main goal was to identify genotypes that have superior economic attributes, such as high levels of anthocyanins, organic acids and easily digestible carbohydrates. As a result, two wild clones of Lithuanian origin (98-C-17 and 98-C-15), and the Estonian cultivar ‘Maima’ were selected as the most valuable in terms of TAC, organic acid, fructose and glucose concentrations.