Abstract:Phytochemicals, such as polysaccharide, flavonoid, total phenol, triterpene and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), were studied in different parts (pulps, peels and seeds) of three Chinese jujube cultivars: Shandongdazao, Hetianyuzao and Ruoqianghuizao. The results showed that the inedible parts (peels and seeds) contained 20~30% total weight of Chinese jujube. The peel of all cultivars had the highest total flavonoids (0.29~0.43%) and total phenol (0.77~1.20%). Peels and pulps also contained the highest triterpene in jujube cultivars (0.36~0.40 mg/g), significantly higher than that in seeds. The pulp had the highest polysaccharide of 4.72~6.13%. cAMP was mainly distributed in pulps and peels, ranging from 7.22 to 33.56 mg/g, and it had significant difference between different varieties. In addition, cAMP content in the peels and pulps of Hetianyuzao (0.27-0.34 mg/g) was much higher than those in the other two cultivars. Therefore, phytochemicals in the inedible parts of Chinese jujube are proved to have applicable values and potential on deep processing.
