Changes in Nutritional Components of Daebong-gam (Diospyros kaki) during Ripening

Abstract

Changes in the nutritional components of Daebong-gam (astringent persimmon) fruit were studied during ripening. The pH rose during ripening and total acidity level fell, from pH 5.36 to pH 5.96 and 0.13% to 0.06%, respectively. Total soluble content did not significantly change. Lightness, redness, and yellowness values, as well as ascorbic acid content, decreased during ripening. The levels of moisture, crude protein, and crude fat also decreased, but nitrogen-free content and crude ash level increased. Daebong-gam was rich in K (96.31~239.47 mg/100 g), P (49.10~55.93 mg/100 g), and Na (15.96~18.13 mg/100 g). Fructose and glucose levels were initially high and increased further during ripening. The glucose content was 4.82% in Daebong-gam, 6.73% in Ban-si, and 7.10% Yeon-Si, respectively. Proline, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid were present at high levels in Daebong-gam. The most common fatty acids were palmitic acid and linolenic acid. Succinic acid was the principal organic acid present.