The Effects of Processing Treatments on the Quality and Functional Constituents of Crabapple Flower Tea
The edible value of crabapple flowers remains unreported. In this study, the flower buds of three crabapple cultivars with different flower colors, <i>Malus</i> ‘Royalty’ (purple-red), ‘May’s Delight’ (pink), and ‘Snowdrift’ (white), were processed via hot-air drying at different tempera...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Horticulturae |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/3/255 |
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| Summary: | The edible value of crabapple flowers remains unreported. In this study, the flower buds of three crabapple cultivars with different flower colors, <i>Malus</i> ‘Royalty’ (purple-red), ‘May’s Delight’ (pink), and ‘Snowdrift’ (white), were processed via hot-air drying at different temperatures and durations. The results showed that the sensory scores of ‘Royalty’ (4 h at 50 °C or 6 h at 40 °C), ‘Snowdrift’ (5 h at 50 °C), and ‘May’s Delight’ (4 h at 60 °C or 6 h at 50 °C) were higher (score > 90 points). The contents of phloridzin, total flavonoids (TFC), and total free amino acids (TFAC) in ‘May’s Delight’ under 50 or 60 °C were significantly higher than in other treatments. The differences in functional constituents among the different treatments of ‘Royalty’ were the smallest (<i>C.V</i> < 7%). The influences (<i>C.V</i><sub>k</sub> > 35%) of cultivar and drying temperature on the phlorizin content (PC) and TFAC were significantly higher than those of other treatments. The PC maintained the highest stability (<i>C.V</i><sub>k</sub> < 10%) under different temperatures and durations. The value of color parameter a* of dry flowers was significantly positively correlated with TFC, PC, and TFAC, and the total score of the sensory evaluation was positively correlated with the TFC. Based on functional constituents and sensory evaluation, ‘May’s Delight’ with air-drying at 50 °C for 6 h was the best option for crabapple flower tea. |
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| ISSN: | 2311-7524 |