Evaluation of Physicochemical properties, Nutritional properties and Functional attributes of Selected Mango Cultivars; with Special Reference to Hambantota district, Sri Lanka

The mango (Mangifera indica L.), one of the leading tropical fruits, is well-known for its exquisite flavour and profound nutritional profile. More than 20 different mango cultivars can be found in Sri Lanka. However, detailed studies on comparison of their comprehensive properties are limited. Thus, five different mango cultivars namely Tom JC (TJC), Willard, Vellaikolumban, Karthakolomban and Neelam that are commonly grown in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka were recognized for their physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties. Amongst all the tested cultivars, the significant (p <0.05) highest weight (328.63±34.13 g) and thickness (7.91±1.08 cm) were recorded by TJC, while Karthakolomban showed significantly highest fruit length (12.56±0.29 cm), pH value (6.74±0.15) and total soluble solids (25.36±0.05 ˚Bx). The cultivar Willard recorded the highest fruit width (7.32±0.12 cm) and the highest sugar content (22.34±0.03 g/100 g), and Neelam obtained the highest titratable acidity (0.28±0.03 g/100 mL) and ascorbic acid content (24.73±1.22 mg/100 g). Karthakolomban obtained the highest moisture content (84.43±0.97%) and the highest fibre content (2.06±0.50%). The highest protein content (1.84±0.12%) was observed in both Karthakolomban and Willard. The highest fat content (0.63±0.04%) was observed the cultivar Willard. Considering the functional properties, the cultivar Willard recorded the highest flavonoid (107.43±31.37 mg QE/100 g) and phenolic contents (32.09±1.49 mg GAE/100 g), while TJC recorded the highest antioxidant content (272.06±0.00 mmol TE/g). It can be concluded that the most nutritious mango cultivars are Karthakolomban and Willard, and the findings show that these mangoes are a rich source of nutrients, and this may assist consumers, food processors and nutritionists for future research and developments.