ABSTRACT
We evaluated fruit availability, phytochemical characteristics and mineral content of R. rubiginosa L. rose hips, at two experimental sites in San Luis province: Potrero de
los Funes-El Volcán (PF-V) and Estancia Grande (EG). Plant density was 70 plants/ha
(1 ha = 10,000 m2) in PF-V and 50 plants/ha in EG. Fruit availability (DF) in fresh
fruits (FF) was 4.39 kg (PF-V) and 3.10 kg (EG) during March, and decreased during
June. Ascorbic acid in FF increased during ripening period, peaking on late April,
early May, and diminished 75% - 85% in dried fruits. Total soluble solids in FF
ranged from 32.55 to 55.20 °Brix. Elements Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Zn and Cu, determined by
inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), were significant
for human health. Dried fruits maintain a high level of ascorbic acid, a characteristic
added to content of mineral elements, particularly calcium content, providing
an important nutritional value to R. rubiginosa rose hips.
Share and Cite:
U. Aguirre, G. , Loza, M. , Gasquez, J. , Fusco, M. , Sosa, A. , M. Ciuffo, G. and E. C. Ciuffo, L. (2016) The Potentiality of Non Timber Forest Products. Fruit Availability, Phytochemical Properties of
Rosa rubiginosa L. Rose Hips.
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
7, 2272-2287. doi:
10.4236/ajps.2016.715200.