Comparative Analysis of the Biochemical Composition of Fruits of Local Selected and Introduced Cherry Varieties Grown in the Conditions of the Foothills of Dagestan

The study was conducted to compare the biochemical composition of cherry fruits of locally bred varieties and those introduced in the conditions of the foothill province of Dagestan to identify varieties with priority breeding and technological characteristics and biochemical composition. The objects of the study (2015–2023) were fruits of ten varieties: Shaten Morel, Padus Maackii, Heyman Konservny, Basler Adler, Verderishche Dlakenkirshche, Bella, Annaya, Shpanka Dagestanskaya, Shurinka, and Podbelskaya. The nutrient profile of the fruits was assessed based on the mass concentration of sugars, acids, vitamin C, pectin, and polyphenolic compounds using generally accepted biochemical methods of analysis. The varieties Basler Adler, Shaten Morel, Heyman Konservny, Annaya, Shpanka Dagestanskaya, and Shurinka were characterized by a higher content of soluble dry substances (15.8–17.4%) and sugars (10.1–12.2%) than the comparison variety Podbelskaya, which had the values of these indicators of 15.1 and 8.9%, respectively. The best in terms of the amount of pectin substances (0.75–0.90%) were the fruits of the introduced cherry varieties Padus Maackii, Basler Adler, and Shaten Morel; among the varieties of local selection, the leaders in terms of this indicator were Shpanka Dagestanskaya and Annaya. The Basler Adler, Shaten Morel, Heiman Konservny, Shpanka Dagestanskaya, and Shurinka varieties were distinguished by the highest ability to accumulate vitamin C (9.0–11.0 mg/100 g), P-active substances (126.1–151.7 mg/100 g), and anthocyanins (187.2–217.8 mg/100 g) in fruits compared to the Podbelskaya variety, in the fruits of which the mass concentrations of these compounds were 8.2, 109.6, and 176.0 mg/100 g, respectively. The most promising genotypes for optimizing the industrial assortment of cherries in the conditions of Dagestan, as well as for the use in selection and production of new healthy foodstuffs, are Heiman Konservny, Basler Adler, Shaten Morel, Shpanka Dagestanskaya, and Shurinka.