Considering the scanty information on Indian fruits, 36 commonly consumed fruits were assessed for inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide scavenging activity and ferrous ion-chelating ability along with levels of micronutrients (namely ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, selenium and total polyphenols). Fruits exhibited 24-173% variability for the 13 study parameters. Fresh fruits exhibited 3.5-4 times higher antioxidant capacity than dry fruits. Ascorbic acid was highest in gooseberry (445 mg/100 g), and beta-carotene was highest in ripe mango 1,200 mg/100 g. Selenium levels could supply 0-33% of the recommended dietary allowance. There was a strong association between different indices of antioxidant capacity (P<0.001), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances with selenium levels (P<0.01), and superoxide scavenging activity and ferrous ion-chelating ability with zinc content (P<0.05). Results emphasize need for the antioxidant quality of fruit in addition to the quantity of fruit consumption.