Physical and chemical characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds in berries and berry jams

Brazil is the third largest producer of fresh fruits in the world. Among fruits, berries such as strawberry, blueberry and blackberry can be highlighted for the benefits they provide to the body, owing to their presence of bioactive compound content. The phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins and ascorbic acid, are examples of bioactive compounds that mainly function in the body as antioxidants. However, the processing steps that lead to the generation of derivatives from these fruits, are damaging to these compounds, often leading to their loss. Thus, the aim of this study was to physically and chemically characterize fresh berries (strawberry, blueberry and blackberry) and their jams, and also to quantify and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in berries and their jams. The following parameters were analyzed: moisture, ash, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and color. The levels of total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity were measured. We concluded that there were significant differences in the chemical composition of berries and jams. There was also a significant loss of bioactive compounds due to processing, nevertheless these jams remain good sources of bioactive compounds, and are still considered important to promote some favorable health effects.