MINERAL CONTENT OF CORNELIAN CHERRY (Cornus mas L.) FRUITS

摘要

Fruits are considered to be a good source of dietary minerals. In this study, mineral composition was determined in twenty cornelian cherry genotypes sampled from Coruh valley in Turkey. Ρ, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Μn, Cu, Zn and Β were determined using an inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer. Mineral contents presented significant differences from one genotype to another. Κ content varied between 2780 mg/ kg in CM5 genotype and 3340 mg/kg in CM 14 genotype, recording significant differences from the average (3073 mg/kg). The order of nutritive minerals depending on their content as mg/kg of fruits was Κ > Ca > Ρ > Mg > Na > Fe > Μn > Zn > Cu. Comparing obtained data with comparing the other common fruits, cornelian cherry genotypes sampled from Turkey are richer for most minerals and proved to be important sources of nutritive minerals. Thus, cornelian cherry consumption can contribute to a well balanced diet.