Determination of physical and phytochemical properties of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica L.)

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica L.) is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. Due to its high sugar content, fruits can be used as raw materials in many products from fresh or jam to alcoholic beverages by end consumers. This study aims to determine some phytochemical and physical properties of prickly pear collected at different harvest time in Turkey. The fruit characteristics evaluated are color, moisture, ash, some pomological properties, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugar composition, total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid, and total ascorbic acid content. August was preferred more than the others in terms of total soluble dry matter, TSS/acidity value and lightness, redness, and color intensity. However, fruits harvested early and late reached higher phytochemical content than August and September. Especially October was considered more remarkable in terms of total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid, and total ascorbic acid content. Novelty impact statement Prickly pear fruits harvested in August should be preferred in terms of total soluble dry matter, TSS/acidity value and lightness, redness, and color intensity. October is more preferable harvest time with regard to total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content.