Changes in Sterol Composition of Hazelnut During Fruit Development

Hazelnut is a valuable source of fat-soluble bioactive components. Among the fat-soluble bioactive components, phytosterols have gained much interest due to their cholesterol reducing properties. This study presents the evaluation of changes in the sterol composition of Turkish hazelnut cultivars (Tombul, Palaz, and Sivri) during fruit development. Three major sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, and Δ5-avenasterol), and five minor sterols (clerosterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol, Δ7-stigmastenol, and Δ7-avenasterol) were detected in all hazelnut cultivars during all stages. The total sterol contents of Turkish hazelnut cultivars reached the maximum values at the early stage and a significant reduction in the total sterol content occurred at the harvest stage.