Phenolic and anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity in fruits of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and of highbush blueberry (V.corymbosum L.) cultivars in North Western Italy

Regular consumption of blueberry (and berry fruits in general) is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the phenolic and anthocyanin content and the antioxidant activity in berries of bilberry and of highbush blueberry cultivars in Piemonte. The analyses were performed according to the methods by Slinkard and Singleton (1977) for phenolics, Cheng and Breen (1991) for anthocyanins, and Pellegrini et al. (2003) modified for antioxidant activity. The analysis results on 11 highbush blueberry cultivars, chosen among the most widespread in Piemonte plantings, and on bilberries harvested in the wild are carried on. Results indicate a high antioxidant activity in the wild species and a high intervarietal variability in highbush blueberry.