Scientific Study

BACKGROUND: Corinthian raisins are dried vine products, representing approximately 3% of the world dried vine fruit production. The majority of Corinthian raisin production is of Greek origin. Studies on the B-group vitamin content of Corinthian raisins produced in Greece as well as on the effect of region and cultivation altitude on the B-group vitamin content are absent in the literature. RESULTS: Corinthian raisin vitamin content was evaluated by RP-HPLC after acid and enzymatic hydrolysis in terms of raisin subcategory, i.e. regions of cultivation, crop to crop variations, and cultivation altitude. Eight vitamers from five different vitamins were identified and quantified in Corinthian raisins. Vitamin B3 (0.77-2.82 g×10-2 ×kg-1) was found to predominate followed by B6 (0.27-0.37 g×10-2 ×kg-1), B1 (0.19-0.22 g×10-2 ×kg-1, and B2 (0.10-0.15 g×10-2 ×kg-1). B9 content was up to 7.1 g×10-5 ×kg-1. Minor differences were observed among regions of cultivation, cultivation altitude and crop to crop variations. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the presence of several water-soluble vitamins in Corinthian raisins that, together with other health promoting micronutrients present in the product, further reinforce its place as part of a healthy diet. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.