Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid (mean value
0.2 mg/100 g) followed by b-carotene. Among tocols, a-tocopherol was the most abundant (mean value
0.9 mg/100 g) followed by g-tocotrienol (mean value 0.12 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activity
(evaluated by means of FRAP, ABTS, ORAC assays) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Borgo Podgora
orchard than in any other one, the fruit of this orchard showed also the highest bioactive molecules
content. Antioxidant activity positively correlated with hydrophilic molecules content mostly with
ascorbic acid (r = 0.97) suggesting vitamin C as the major contributor to the total antioxidant activity in
kiwifruit.