Evaluation of some quantitative and qualitative properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit during the last stages of maturation

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid by consumers to cornelian cherry fruit, which is rich in antioxidants. This research was carried out based on a randomized complete block design for evaluation of the variations in some quantitative and qualitative properties of cornelian cherry fruits during the last stages of maturation in 2015. Fruits were harvested at 4 different times and from 4 main geographical directions of the tree and were then immediately transferred to the laboratory. Several parameters such as dimension (length and width), weight, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and total antioxidant capacity of the fruits were investigated. The results showed that the effect of different harvest dates on all traits was significant (P