Comparative Analysis of Dry Matter, Vitamin C, and Energy Content in the Pulp of Selected Fruit Crops

Background: Fruits are important dietary sources of biologically active compounds associated with antioxidant protection, metabolic regulation, and maintenance of physiological homeostasis. However, the biochemical composition of fruit pulp varies substantially among species and geographic regions, thereby influencing nutritional quality and potential functional food applications. Comparative cross-country analyses integrating standardized biochemical indicators remain limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a harmonized comparative evaluation of dry matter, vitamin C concentration, and energy value in the pulp of 11 fruit crops cultivated in Armenia, using corresponding datasets from Russia and the United States, in order to identify fruit species with promising functional and antioxidant-related characteristics. Methods: Fruit samples from 11 commonly cultivated fruit crops were collected from 10-12-year-old trees grown in the foothill zone of the Ararat Valley, Armenia, during 2007-2025. Dry matter content, vitamin C concentration, and energy value were determined using standardized biochemical and calorimetric methods. Comparative datasets from Russia and the United States were obtained from harmonized literature sources and standardized nutrient databases. All values were normalized to uniform units (per 100 g fresh weight) prior to analysis. Statistical evaluation included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), relative error assessment, and least significant difference (LSD) testing at p < 0.05. Results: Significant interspecific differences were identified among the studied fruit crops. Cornelian cherry demonstrated the highest average vitamin C concentration (80.77 mg/100 g fresh weight) and elevated energy value, indicating strong antioxidant-associated functional potential. Pomegranate exhibited the highest average energy value (72.0 kcal/100 g fresh weight) despite relatively low dry matter content. Cherry plum showed the highest dry matter accumulation, whereas apple, pear, and peach demonstrated comparatively low vitamin C concentrations. The biochemical parameters of fruits cultivated in Armenia were generally comparable with those reported for Russia and the United States, suggesting relative cross-regional stability of key nutritional indicators. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate pronounced interspecific variability in biochemical composition and support the identification of fruit species with promising functional food potential. Cornelian cherry, pomegranate, quince, and cherry plum may serve as valuable raw materials for functional food development due to their favorable biochemical and antioxidant-related characteristics. Within the Functional Food Center (FFC) framework, the present study contributes to the early-stage identification and characterization of biologically relevant food materials and provides a foundation for future investigations focused on bioavailability, biomarkers, and physiological health outcomes. Novelty of the Study: This study provides a harmonized cross-country comparison of dry matter, vitamin C concentration, and energy value in 11 fruit crops cultivated in Armenia, Russia, and the United States. Its novelty lies in identifying fruit species with promising functional food potential, particularly cornelian cherry, pomegranate, quince, and cherry plum, within the early-stage FFC framework for bioactive food material characterization. [GRAPHICS]