Orak, H. H.Aktas, T.Yagar, H.Isbilir, S. SelenEkinci, N.Sahin, F. Hasturk2025-01-272025-01-2720121082-01321532-1738https://doi.org/10.1177/1082013211428213https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12428/27619Antioxidant activity, colour and some nutritional properties of hot air and freeze-dried strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruits were investigated. Additionally, the effects of two pre-treatments, namely ethyl oleate and water blanching, were compared in terms of drying characteristics. For determination of antioxidant activities in ethanol extracts, two different analytical methods were used: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and beta-carotene bleaching activity. As a result, the ethyl oleate pre-treatment shortened the drying time by hot air method and gave a higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (82.16 +/- 0.34%), total phenolic content (7.62 +/- 1.09 mu g GAE/g extract), ascorbic acid content (236.93 +/- 20.14 mg/100 g), besides hydromethylfurfural was not observed. Freeze- dried fruits exhibited higher ascorbic acid content (368.63 +/- 17.16 mg/100 g) than those fresh fruits (231.33 +/- 19.51 mg/100 g) and nearly 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl activity (93.52 +/- 0.41 %) to fresh fruits (94.03 +/- 1.18%). Colour characteristics, sugar content and mineral contents of fruits were significantly affected by pre-treatments and drying methods (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the drying of strawberry tree fruits should bring a valuable and attractive foodstuff to food industry due to the rich nutritional components, antioxidant activity and colour. Another conclusion from this study is that the freeze-drying is the best drying method to keep the nutritional value, antioxidant activity and sensory properties of fruits.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessStrawberry tree fruitArbutus unedo Lantioxidant activitycolourdryingArticle18439140210.1177/1082013211428213Q3WOS:0003070195000082-s2.0-8486498598822522307Q1