Comparison of biometric characteristics, physicochemical composition, mineral elements, nutrients and bioactive compounds of Hylocereus undatus and H. polyrhizus

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp) is an exotic and attractive fruit with promising consumption due to its nutritional qualities and its flavor and color. However, knowledge about this fruit and its nutritional benefits for the human diet is not widespread. This paper compared biometric and physicochemical characteristics, mineral elements, nutrients and bioactive compounds of dragon fruit with white and red pulps (Hylocereus undatus and H. polyrhizus). The centesimal composition was analysed according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Minerals elements were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Nutrients and bioactive compounds were analysed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity DPPH were determined by spectrophotometry. Dragon fruit red pulp showed higher vitamin E, antioxidant capacity, eriodictyol and anthocyanins. The α-carotene was more expressive in white pulp. Total phenolic was similar in both fruits. Pitaya consumption (white and red pulp) should be encouraged due to the presence of nutrients and bioactive compounds relevant to our basic nutrition.