An agricultural waste, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel is known to be rich in total phenolics, which are flavonoids having strong antioxidant effects. In this study, pomegranate peel sponge cakes were prepared with varying ratios of freeze dried pomegranate peel powder (0, 1, 3, 5, 7% (w/w)) to examine their effect on quality characteristics, retrogradation and antioxidant activities. The specific gravity and moisture contents of 3, 5, and 7% pomegranate peel powder showed higher values than the control and 1% group. Addition of pomegranate peel powder increased the batter yield, while there was a significant decrease in baking loss. Increasing pomegranate peel powder content significantly decreased the lightness (L) (from 75.03 to 57.04) and pH values, whereas redness (a), yellowness (b) and ΔE were increased. Increasing concentration of the peel powder also increased the hardness and chewiness, while the springiness and cohesiveness decreased. Considering the Avrami equation, Avrami exponene (n) decreased from 1.8055 (control) to 0.9199 (7% pomegranate peel powder). Time constant (1/k) was lowest in control (at 17.64) and highest in the 7% group (39.84). Total polyphenol, flavonoid content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities significantly increased with increments in the content of pomegranate peel powder. A sensory evaluation by the 7-point scaling method showed that the sponge cake containing 7% pomegranate peel powder had the highest scores in color, flavor, sweetness, chewiness and overall acceptability. Hence, it is considered that sponge cake supplemented with 7% pomegranate peel powder is the most appropriate for quality characteristics, retrogradation and antioxidant activities.

In recent years, polyphenol-rich herbs, fruits and processed foods, which are made of plant origin, have attracted much attention due to their potential health benefits. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important source of bioactive compounds and has been used to treat diseases because of its medicinal properties. This research was focused on characterizing Korea’s national cultivar and a similar product from California, USA. To evaluate their bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities, their anti-oxidation and cancer inhibition properties, as well as their organic acid and free sugar contents, were investigated. The national cultivar had low total sugar and high organic acid contents, contrary to the imported product. The results showed that the peel of national cultivar had high polyphenol and ellagic acid contents compared to imported product. The free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and its positive correlation with the total polyphenol contents was found. The anti-cancer activity of methanol extracts revealed growth inhibition against the prostate cancer cell. These results signify that while pomegranate, national cultivar, is more sour than the imported product, its health benefits could be excellent. Also, the polyphenol compound content of the non-edible part (such as the peel and the seed) was higher than that of the juice. Thus, it is suggested that the byproduct of the juice extraction could be potentially used in other fields such as medicine or dietary agents.