Introduction. The nutritional and functional qualities of wild and
cultivated Mexican serviceberry have not yet been reported. This species could have
similar potential for commercialization to that of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier
alnifolia Nutt.). Materials and methods. Wild and cultivated
fruits at two maturity stages were assessed for CIE Lab color, fruit size, titratable
acidity and total soluble solids. Also, chemical composition and mineral contents were
determined. In addition, vitamin C and simple phenols were assessed. Total soluble
phenols, condensed tannins and anthocyanins as well as Trolox antioxidant activity and
oxygen radical antioxidant activity were determined. Results. Fruit size,
titratable acidity, total soluble solids, iron and simple phenols were higher in fruits of
cultivated plants than in those of wild plants. Total fiber, calcium, vitamin C, total
soluble phenols and condensed tannins were higher in wild fruits. Wild and cultivated
serviceberry showed higher Trolox antioxidant activity compared with oxygen radical
antioxidant activity. Caffeic, chlorogenic, coumaric and syringic acids and rutin were the
predominant simple phenolics; they comprised from 59.3% (cultivated overripe fruit) to
76.9% (wild ripe fruit) of the sum of simple phenolics. The antioxidant activity of wild
and cultivated fruit (258.3–699.2 mmol·kg–1, fw) is up to 3.8 times higher compared with
those of fruits commonly consumed. Conclusion. Contents of antioxidant
compounds and the outstanding antioxidant activities of wild and cultivated Mexican
serviceberry make this species a natural resource that could contribute to health.