ABSTRACT
Nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of three edible wild berries [Rubus ellipticus Smith, Rubus niveus Thunb, Rubus ulmifolius L.] from Lesser Himalayan Range [LHR] were evaluated. Their edible portion was assayed for moisture, fats, ash, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, essential minerals [Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Co, Ni] and DPPH free radical scavenging activity was applied to determine the antioxidant potential. The fruit of Rubus ulmifolius L. [blackberry] possessed the highest values of energy [403.29 Kcal], total protein [6.56g/100 g], Nitrogen [N] content [1500mg/100g], K [860.17mg/100g], Ca [620.56mg/100g], Zn [17.509mg/100g] and the strongest antioxidant activity [98.89% inhibition]. While the raspberries [Rubus ellipticus Smith, Rubus niveus Thunb.] exhibited more significant contents of dietary fiber [5.90g/100g], carbohydrates [86.4 g/100 g] and Fe [4.249mg/100g]. Significant variation was observed among the tested samples in all the investigated features. The combination of bio elements and active antioxidants clearly showed the applicability of these berries as a nutraceutical supplement