Rubinovich, L., Migal Galilee Technology Center, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
Holland, D., Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Ramat Yishay, Israel
Amir, R., Migal Galilee Technology Center, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, Israel

Pomegranate {Punica granatum L.) is known to be one of the healthiest fruits and its traditional importance as a medicinal plant is supported by modern science. The health beneficial properties of the fruit are attributed to its high levels of antioxidant compounds, mainly hydrolysable tannins (HTs) and anthocyanins. This review focuses on our recent analyses of a wide, bio-diverse pomegranate collection composed of 29 different accessions. Our aim was to compose a wide-scope picture of the various factors that contribute to the health benefits, and to the marketability of the fruit, in particular antioxidant compounds, taste and color. For that purpose we have examined the concentration and localization of HTs, anthocyanins, total phenols, organic acids and total soluble sugars (TSS) in the fruit sections. We have also examined how these factors are affected by environmental conditions. In addition, we have investigated the factors that help maintain fruit quality during prolonged storage and how they may be utilized to control storage diseases and reduce the use of synthetic fungicides. The usage of a large pomegranate collection rich in trait variation is a valuable and powerful resource to increase our knowledge on the biodiversity that can be found in pomegranates. It can also give us insights on pomegranate biology and help us to determine which bioactive compounds and factors regulate the fruits taste. Besides the obvious benefits to basic science, the overall collected data can assist breeders and growers to respond to consumer and industrial preferences. © 2014 American Chemical Society.