Nutritional composition health benefits and quality of fresh and dried figs from Eastern Morocco

The fig tree is a multifaceted plant with a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. The employment of the Aksoy weighted classification method, predicated on biological characteristics pertaining to the ripening period, in conjunction with pomological and chemical characteristics of the fresh fruit, yielded favorable outcomes in the assessment of fresh fig quality from eastern Morocco, particularly the OnK Hmam (718) and Chetoui (720) varieties, indicating high quality. From a commercial perspective, the weight of figs is a key factor in determining their value. The study examined the weight of five different varieties of fresh figs, revealing significant variations in their average weight. The Malha fig recorded the lowest average weight of 30.24 g, while the Onk Hmam fig exhibited the highest average weight of 57.25 g. Fresh Chetoui has the highest content of total sugar (15.04%), titratable acid (0.272%), potassium (266.8 mg/100 g), sodium (0.580 mg/100 g), calcium (75.20 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (30.04 mg). Fresh Onk Hmam has the highest fibre concentration (2.60%). Fresh Bounacer has the highest magnesium content (20.52 mg/100 g). Fresh Ghoudane has the highest concentration of iron (1.24 mg/100 g), polyphenols (275.6 GAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (120.3 QE/100 g FW) among the samples. As fresh figs are seasonal and perishable, the most effective method of preserving their nutritional content and health benefits over an extended period is through the drying process. The primary objective of the drying process is to dehydrate the figs and reduce their water activity to an acceptable level. In addition, the storage and transport costs incurred are economically and commercially advantageous. Sun-dried goudane and chetoui are characterized by their elevated sugar, fiber, mineral, and antioxidant content. Additionally, they exhibit significant volume and weight reduction, thereby reducing packaging requirements and rendering them optimal for use as dietary supplements. In addition, they meet the required criteria of ≤ 26.0% for dry matter and the minimum diameter of 18 mm for black fig (Ghoudane) and 22 mm for white fig (Chetoui) of the European standards. However, it should be noted that their marketability and commercial quality are limited to Category I (65 < maximum allowable fruit count per kilogram ≤ 120), which includes lower quality designations. Dried Ghoudane was found to contain higher levels of polyphenols (380.9 mg GAE/100 g DW) and flavonoids (100.1 mg QE/100 g DW) than dried Chetoui (305.9 mg GAE/100 g DW and 81.90 mg EQ/100 g DW). After sun drying of fresh Ghoudane and Chetoui, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that they had increased levels of phenolic content, titratable acid and minerals. However, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content and soluble solids decreased.