This study determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, ascorbic acid and phenolic composition
and evaluated antioxidant properties and metal chelating activity of five peach cultivars, separately for
pulp and peel. Identification and quantification of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds were performed
using HPLC method. The antioxidant and metal chelating activities are evaluated by means of
several in vitro methods, such as the b-carotene/linoleate model system, radical scavenging, reducing
power, and iron and copper ion chelation. The results showed that the peach peels have the highest
antioxidant capacities, reflecting their highest content of total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and
phenolic compounds. In addition, the predominant phenolic compounds in peaches was found to be
chlorogenic acid, followed by neo-chlorogenic acid, (þ)-catechin, quercetin-3-rutinoside and protocatechuic
acid. The results indicated that peach peels are good sources of bioactive and antioxidant
compounds, and can be explored for their health promoting values in food product