Five different methods of drying (microwave-drying, oven-drying at 50 and 70°C, sun-drying and shade drying) the fresh fruits of two hawthorn species – Crataegus azarolus L. (yellow) and Crataegus orientalis L. (red) – were investigated in this study to determine its impact on their antioxidant capacity and antioxidant content. The results showed that antioxidant capacity increased, and at the same time the number of total phenolic compounds decreased with increase in the temperature in oven drying, whereas in other drying methods (microwave, sun and shade-drying) the amount of total phenolic compounds increased. It was observed that in all samples the vitamin C content decreased. Samples dried in a microwave appeared to have the strongest antioxidant capacity. Microwave-drying appeared to be the best method for preserving bioactive chemicals.

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