[The characteristic analysis of several mineral contents in Chinese orange juice]

A study was carried out on the contents of mineral elements such as K, Ca, Na, and Mg in seven different orange varieties, namely Pineapple orange, Hamlin, Trovita, Jincheng, 1,232 Tangor, Olinda Valencia and Delta Valencia, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that the content sequence of different nutritional elements was K > Mg > Ca > Na, with a range of 1,233.75-1,866.23, 77.51-167.15, 49.32-125.29 and 1.22-9.26 mg x L(-1) respectively. The range scale of the four elements was largely consistent with the reference value of AIJN (Association of the Industry of Juices and Nectars from Fruits and Vegetables of the European Union). The samples can be clustered into 2 groups by factor analysis, and lower Na content would be the characteristic of the Valencia varieties. All these data would offer important information for orange juice adulteration determination and quality evaluation.