Optimization of the drying process of autumn fruits rich in antioxidants: a study focusing on rosehip ( L.) and sea buckthorn ( (L.) A. Nelson) and their bioactive properties

Nowadays, it is very important to identify the traditional uses of different plants and to create the context in which new cultural or economic value is given to local resources. In this study, two wild fruits traditionally harvested in autumn in Romania were selected to investigate the effects of drying conditions on the chemical compositions and bioactivities exerted by the extracts and to select the best conditions in terms of air temperature and time of drying. The extracts obtained were assessed in terms of antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activity, and their main bioactive compounds were identified and quantified. The data presented in this article represent a step forward in applying this process on an industrial-scale. The main goal of our work was to establish the optimal parameters for the drying process of rosehip and sea buckthorn fruits, in order to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds from these vegetal matrices.