Abstract

This study was conducted in order to promote the utilization of Hovenia dulcis Thunb as food. The physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of the extracts from the leaf, fruit, stalk and stem were examined. The extract of stem was the brightest in L value (p<0.05), but the lowest in b value (p<0.01). By the sensory evaluation, the external appearance was the best in the extract of stem. The extract of leaf was the darkest in color and that of stem the lightest. The bitter and astringent taste was stronger from the leaf compared with other parts. The extract of fruits stalk of Korean Hovenia dulcis was preferred in most of attributes. The total sugar content was the highest from the fruits stalk. Among free amino acids, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and alanine were rich in order. Potassium contents were the highest among minerals from the fruits stalk, leaf and stem. Ca and Mg followed the next. The results were the same both in Korean and in Chinese tree. Among organic acids, malic acid was the most in the fruits stalk, leaf and stem. It was followed by citric acid. In the test of free sugar, glucose was the most and followed by sucrose and fructose in the fruits stalk. Fructose was contained the most in leaf and stem.

Keywords

• Hovenia dulcis Thunb;
• leaf;
• stem;
• fruit;
• physicochemical properties