Abstract:
To clarify the quality characteristics and processing suitability differences of major cultivated plum varieties in Southern Xinjiang, the processing suitability of
Prunus domestica samples collected from seven production regions across four major cultivated varieties (‘Francistown’, ‘Hong Ximei’, ‘Xiao Ximei’, and ‘Blue Plum’) in Southern Xinjiang, was systematically evaluated in this study. A multidimensional quality evaluation system was established by measuring appearance, texture, physicochemical properties, bioactive components, and volatile flavor compounds. Cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to classify the samples. The results showed significant differences in key quality indicators such as anthocyanins, total polyphenols, and total soluble solids (TSS) among different cultivars. Comprehensive quality analysis revealed distinct quality characteristics among the samples: ‘Blue Plum’ from Kashi exhibited notably high firmness and juice yield; ‘Blue Plum’ from Zepu was characterized by high acidity and anthocyanin content; ‘Francistown’ from Jiashi displayed significantly higher sugar content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity compared with the other samples, while ‘Francistown’ from Jiashi and ‘Francistown’ from Aksu were distinguished by their high sugar-acid ratio and abundant characteristic volatile aroma compounds. The constructed OPLS-DA model exhibited excellent discriminative performance, with an
R2X of 0.998 and a
Q2 of 0.994. A total of 14 key quality markers with variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1.0 were identified, including fruit shape index, TSS, polyphenols, 2-hexenal, DPPH· radical scavenging activity, flavonoids, infrared absorption peak at the wavenumber of 3300 cm
−1 (O-H stretching vibration), ABTS· radical scavenging activity, lauric aldehyde, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for selective breeding, intelligent grading, and targeted processing strategies in the plum industry.