Effect of traditional sun drying on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp from light and dark fig (Ficus carica L.) varieties
January 30, 2026
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| Article Title: | Effect of traditional sun drying on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp from light and dark fig (Ficus carica L.) varieties |
| Authors: | Meziant L., Khaled Khodja Y., Hassina Y., Benbouriche A., Chenafi A., Bachir-Bey M. |
| Affiliation: | Division Biotechnologie Alimentaire, Centre de Recherche en Biotechnologie, Constantine 25001, Algeria Division Biotechnologie et Santé, Centre de Recherche en Biotechnologie, Constantine 25001, Algeria Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of Djelfa, PO Box 3117, Djelfa 17000, Algeria Université de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, 06000 Bejaia, Algérie Research Laboratory of Applied Hydraulics and Environment, Faculty of Technology, University of Bejaia, 06000, Bejaia, Algeria University of Bejaia, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria |
| Abstract: | Figs (Ficus carica L.) are widely consumed fruits known for their richness in phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of traditional sun drying on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp from two Algerian fig varieties, a light-skinned (Taamriwthe) and a dark-skinned (Azenjer) cultivar. Both fresh and sun-dried figs were subsequently freeze-dried and analyzed separately for peel and pulp. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins were quantified using spectrophotometric methods, while antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum assay, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. Drying caused a marked reduction in fruit weight (~55%) and moisture content (from ~75% to ~30%), significantly affecting phenolic distribution. Total phenolic content increased significantly after drying, particularly in peels of the light (>250%) and dark (79%) varieties, while only slight changes were observed in pulps. In contrast, flavonoids and anthocyanins were highly sensitive to drying, with reductions of 40–60% and more than 75%, respectively, especially in dark figs. Antioxidant responses depended on tissue and assay: DPPH scavenging activity decreased markedly after drying (up to 80% in light fig pulp), while reducing power and phosphomolybdenum capacity were partially maintained or enhanced in dried peels. Principal component analysis (accounting for 83.3% of the total variability) clearly discriminated samples according to tissue, variety, and processing state. Overall, fig peel, particularly from dark fresh fruits, exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, while sun drying markedly altered phenolic composition and functionality. |
| Keywords: | Ficus carica, peel, pulp, fresh, sun dried, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity. |
| *Correspondence: | Yazid Khaled Khodja, Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of Djelfa, PO Box 3117, Djelfa 17000, Algeria, email: y.khaled@univ-djelfa.dz |
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