Chaenomeles Species—Characteristics of Plant, Fruit and Processed Products: A Review

This literature review deals with the characteristics of Chaenomeles species and the physicochemical properties of Chaenomeles fruits. These fruits belong to a group with a low content of monosaccharides and a favorable ratio of fructose to glucose. They exhibit a low pH value and sour taste; therefore, they are not eaten in a raw form. They have a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamin C, organic acids, dietary fiber and pectins. The physicochemical properties of processed Chaenomeles fruits, i.e., freeze-dried, juices, syrups, candied fruit, jam, powder and chips, are presented in the manuscript. Also mentioned are the seeds and their use in the production of oil and seed gum. Of the products described in the paper, seed oil deserves greater attention, as it is characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic and linoleic, and low susceptibility to oxidation.