Quality traits and Functional potential of avocado (Persea Americana Mill) grown in the Jammu Region

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a nutritionally important sub-tropical fruit valued for its healthy lipids, bioactive compounds and anti-oxidant properties. The present study evaluated the physical, physico-chemical, nutritional and anti-oxidant characteristics of fresh avocado fruits collected from the Jammu region of India. Morphological traits were recorded using standard avocado descriptors, while biochemical analyses were performed using AOAC-recommended methods. The fruits exhibited desirable commercial attributes with an average weight of 270.81 g, fruit length of 9.68 cm, equatorial diameter of 7.22 cm and peel thickness of 3.02 mm. The physico-chemical analysis revealed 5.42 °Brix total soluble solids, 1.02 per cent titratable acidity, pH 6.28, and 26.88 per cent physiological loss in weight. The fruits contained 0.81 per cent total sugars, 2.71 per cent carbohydrates, 8.97 per cent protein, 3.68 per cent fat, 0.53 per cent ash and 7.29 per cent vitamin C. Anti-oxidant activity was confirmed by DPPH (4.03), ABTS (2.54) and FRAP (0.14) assays, indicating the presence of bioactive anti-oxidant compounds. Overall, the study demonstrates that avocados grown in the Jammu region possess favorable physical quality, appreciable nutritional composition and significant anti-oxidant potential, highlighting their suitability for fresh consumption, value-added processing and the expansion of avocado cultivation in northern India.