Major carotenoid composition of Brazilian Valencia orange juice: Identification and quantification by HPLC

The carotenoid composition of Brazilian Valencia orange juice was determined by open column chromatography (OCC) and high-performance liquid chromatography. Carotenoid pigments were extracted using acetone and saponified using 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide. Sixteen pigments were isolated by OCC and identified as α-carotene, ζ-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein-5,6-epoxide, violaxanthin, lutein, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, luteoxanthin A, luteoxanthin B, mutatoxanthin A, mutatoxanthin B, auroxanthin B and trollichrome B. Thirteen carotenoid pigments were separated using a ternary gradient (acetonitrile–methanol–ethyl acetate) elution on a C₁₈ reversed-phase column. Among these, violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, ζ-carotene, α-carotene, and β-carotene were quantified. The total carotenoid content was 12 ± 6.7 mg/l, and the major carotenoids were lutein (23%), β-cryptoxanthin (21%), and zeaxanthin (20%).     

THE COMPOSITION AND VITAMIN A VALUE OF THE CAROTENOIDS OF PUMPKINS OF DIFFERENT COLORS

The carotenoid pigments of the yellow and orange flesh varieties of the pumpkins Cucurbita moschata and C.maxima were identified and quantified, α-Carotene, β-carotene, ζ-carotene, β-carotene 5,6-epoxide, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, taraxanthin, zeaxanthin, luteoxanthin and auroxanthin were detected in the pumpkins. The difference was that the yellow variety of C. moschata had no zeaxanthin. The quantitative patterns of the two varieties were similar. Although some quantitative variation was observed, lutein, β-carotene and luteoxanthin predominated. The difference in the color between the two varieties resulted from these quantitative differences in carotenoid composition. The vitamin A activity of the C. moschata variety with yellow flesh was higher than that of the C. maxima, which had many oxygenated carotenoids.     

Changes in β-Carotene and Vitamin A Contents of Vitamin A-rich Foods in Thailand During Preservation and Storage

ABSTRACT: To prolong consumption of β-carotene and vitamin A-rich foods in Thailand during off-season, plant foods such as ripe mango, ripe papaya, pumpkin, Pak Sien (a local Thai vegetable), and Chinese green cabbage were preserved by candying and pickling. Chicken liver was incorporated into local rice-flour chips. Pumpkin was also stored as fresh whole fruit at room temperature. β-Carotene loss in candied mango and papaya during processing was 17 to 18%, and loss continued from 30 to 40% during storage over 3 months. In contrast, β- carotene contents increased during fermentation of pickled Pak Sien and Chinese green cabbage, ranging from 30 to 40%. A 3-month storage of fresh whole pumpkin in the shade led to as much as a 1263% increase of β-carotene concentrations. On the other hand, vitamin A content was reduced about 50% during the processing of fried chicken liver chips and continued to lose 16% more during storage.     

Impact of packaging and storage conditions on colour and β-carotene retention of pasteurised mango purée

The effects of light and oxygen on β-carotene, vitamin A value, and colour stability of mango purée during storage were evaluated. Non-aseptic production at a pilot-plant scale, involving continuous high-temperature-short-time (HTST) heating, caused significant 13-cis-β-carotene formation, resulting in a pro-vitamin A retention of 82.3–89.6%, while peroxidase (POD) activity was reduced to residual levels of 0.4–2.6% in the pasteurised purée. Since oxygen removal from the package headspace by flushing with superheated steam or N₂ marginally affected β-carotene stability during storage, hot-filling was most crucial for exhausting the air. Irrespective of the packaging material, pro-vitamin A loss during storage was chiefly caused by oxidative degradation of β-carotene. Additional photo- isomerisation under exposure to light became manifest in the relative increase in 9-cis-β-carotene with associated decline in the 13-cis isomer portion. Despite photoisomerisation, pro-vitamin A retention was up to 90.9% in bottled purée after 168 days of light-exposed storage, with deaeration of the purée resulting from hot-filling. Marked colour loss mainly caused by accumulation of brown oxidation products was monitored by a rising degree of discolouration (Dd). Although additional headspace deaeration of cans and bottles improved colour retention, dissolved residual oxygen and other reactive compounds provoked browning and β-carotene degradation. As regards pro-vitamin A and colour, headspace minimisation was much more effective than its deaeration. Due to smaller headspace volumes, bottling proved superior to canning under the prevailing conditions, irrespective of light-exposed storage.     

Effect of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes on In Vitro Carotene Accessibility in Lactic Acid Fermented Carrot Beverage

ABSTRACT: Carrot purées with different particle size were prepared from fresh carrots using 2 different food processors. The purées were fermented with lactic acid bacteria ( Lactobacillus plantarum ) with and without addition of cell wall degrading enzymes (Pectinex® Ultra SP-L and Cellubrix^TM L). The bioaccessibility of carotenes was estimated using an in vitro digestion method. In carrots processed to a particle size <1.5 mm, the in vitro β-carotene accessibility was 46% and neither fermentation nor addition of cell wall-degrading enzymes had any further effect on the in vitro accessibility. In carrot purées with a coarser particle size, the in vitro β-carotene accessibility was 18%; that significantly increased by adding high amounts of cellulases or pectinases or a combination of the enzymes either in low or high amounts. The improved accessibility was correlated with reduced particle size of the carrot purée.     

Effects of freezing and canning of papaya slices on their carotenoid composition

An HPLC study of the carotenoid composition of fresh, frozen and canned papaya fruit slices was done. There were no qualitative differences between the carotenoid patterns of fresh and frozen papaya fruit slices (cultivar Sunrise). The major carotenoids found in papaya extracts were lycopene and carotenol fatty acid esters of-cryptoxanthin and-cryptoxanthin-5, 6-epoxide. Other xanthophylls detected were-crypto-xanthin,trans-zeaxanthin and cryptoflavin. It was possible to determine the quantitative losses of carotenoids in papaya slices as a result of the freezing process and frozen storage, since samples of these fruits were available before processing. The pigment pattern of the canned product showed lycopene as being a major pigment. Thermal treatment induced the degradation of carotenol fatty acid esters of xanthophylls. The freezing and canning processing of papaya slices led to significant decreases in the total carotenoids quantified by HPLC, with frozen female slices and canned samples showing lower amounts of pigments. Hunter colour values of frozen slices were similar to those of fresh papaya fruit slices.     

Aroma changes in mango juice during processing and storage

Mango juice was analysed after bottling and during storage for 2 and 4 months, in order to follow the changes in aroma constitutents which have an adverse influence on the juice quality. Heat processing at 85°C/10 min caused the reduction of all volatile fractions due to evaporation and, in addition, the formation of acetyl furan, 5-methyl furfural, β-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol and butyl-3-hydroxy butanoate, which were not found in fresh juice. These compounds were attributable to degradation reactions and especially to ascorbic acid. Storage of bottled mango juice at room temperature resulted in the appearance of ethyl fatty acids and seline-11-ene-4-ol, in addition to a decrease in hydrocarbons and oxygenated components; these very important factors affected the flavour of mango juice.

According to these findings, the furan derivatives, - and β-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol and ethyl fatty acids, are detrimental factors resulting from heat-processing and storage of bottled mango juice.     

Effect of Acidified Processing and Storage on Carotenoids (Provitamin A) and Vitamin C in Mung Bean Sprouts

Blanching of mung bean sprouts has little effect on total carotenoids and β-carotene. Canned sprouts stored at RT for 6 months lost smaller amounts of total and ‘active’ carotenoids compared with bottled sprouts. Blanching resulted in approximately 50% loss of vitamin C in fresh mung bean sprouts but storage temperatures alone produced little change in vitamin C. Canned sprouts stored at RT for 6 months contained only 30% of the vitamin C of stored bottled sprouts. Fresh mung bean sprouts contained 19 μg 100 g⁻¹β-carotene and 15 mg 100 g⁻¹ vitamin C.     

Effect of thermal processing on the texture of canned apricots

The effect of thermal processing on the texture of canned apricots was studied by using the main cultivar canned in Greece, Bebecou. The test temperature ranged from 82 to 95 °C. The loss of hardness was tested immediately after processing and after 3 months storage. The z -value was 16.7 °C and the energy of activation 116.5 kJ mol⁻¹. Some restoration in the hardness was found after 3 months storage, which might be attributable to the absorption of sucrose by the fruit.     

Changes in antioxidants and taste-related compounds content during cold storage of fresh-cut red sweet peppers

Changes in antioxidants (ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and carotenoids) and in taste-related compounds (sugars and organic acids) content were monitored in fresh-cut red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L., local ecotype “Peperone Cornetto di Pontecorvo”) during 9 days of cold storage. Pepper slices were placed in polystyrene trays, wrapped with a polyvinyl chloride film, and stored at 4 °C or at 8 °C; besides, to evaluate the effect of a prestorage hot water treatment, half of the slices were subjected to a dipping treatment in water at 53 °C for 4 min, before packaging and storage. During storage limited changes in O₂ and CO₂ concentrations were observed within all packages. Storage temperature strongly affected weight loss: at the end of the storage time it was <3 and >10% in fruits stored at 4 and 8 °C, respectively. Sugars (glucose and fructose) content showed a significant increase (+11%) only in fruits stored at 8 °C; this change was due to a concentration effect associated to water loss. A higher increase (+23 and +17% in fruits stored at 8 and 4 °C) was observed in organic acids (citric and malic) content. Minimal processing and storage produced only a quite limited degradation of ascorbic acid. Both hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids accumulated in fruits stored at 8 °C (and not heat treated), whereas at 4 °C phenolics accumulation appeared to be partially inhibited. All the main carotenoids (capsanthin, cucurbitaxanthin A, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin) markedly accumulated in fruits stored at 8 °C (not heat treated), and showed a general decrease at 4 °C. Hot water treatment did seem to affect organic acids metabolism, though it did not promote ascorbic acid degradation. In addition, it inhibited both phenolics and carotenoid accumulation in fruits stored at 8 °C.     

Improving antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut mangoes treated with UV-C

ABSTRACT:  The effect of UV-C irradiation time on total phenol, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH^•) of fresh-cut "Tommy Atkins" mango stored for 15 d at 5 °C was investigated. Fresh-cut mango was irradiated for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 min prior to storage at 5 °C. UV-C irradiation for 10 min induced a hypersensitive defense response resulting in the phenols and flavonoids accumulation which was positively correlated with ORAC and DPPH^• values. However, β-carotene and ascorbic acid content of fresh-cut mangos decreased with irradiation time during storage. Antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH^•) was increased in fresh-cut mangoes treated with UV-C irradiation. In conclusion, UV-C irradiation appears to be a good technique to improve the total antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut mango.     

CAROTENOID TRANSFORMATIONS IN RIPENING APRICOTS AND PEACHES

SUMMARY –β-Carotene was the dominant pigment of apricot tissue and accumulated rapidly during ripening; however, in peach tissue, β-carotene along with lutein and violaxanthin were synthesized in almost equal amounts during the ripening process. In the latter tissue small amounts of zeaxanthin were detected mid-point in the ripening sequence. Peach and apricot tissue incorporated [2-¹⁴ C] mevalonic acid into β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and also into violaxanthin in peach tissue. Incorporation of [2-¹⁴ C] mevalonic acid into the above carotenoids was greatest during the initial stages of ripening in the peach and then declined with senescence especially in the xanthophylls lutein and violaxanthin.     

Black Currant Nectar: Effect of Processing and Storage on Anthocyanin and Ascorbic Acid Content

The degradation of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in black currant nectar was studied during processing and storage. A continuous production process was used where the nectar was bottled within 4.0h; 20% of both components were lost in the main stream process. The choice of enzyme mainly affected the recovery of ascorbic acid. Pasteurization resulted in a loss of 2-6 % of the ascorbic acid content. About 50% of the original content of monomeric anthocyanins remained after 6 months storage at 20°C. The stabilities of delphinidins and cyanidins during storage were very similar. Deaeration of the nectar before bottling had no effect on anthocyanin content.     

Degradation of quality attributes of sweetened Julie and Ogbomoso mango juices during storage

Changes in the quality attributes of sweetened Julie and Ogbomoso mango juices were investigated. Sweetened mango juices were processed, bottled and stored at 25 °C for 12 weeks. The titratable acidity, pH, total solids, ash, soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents were evaluated immediately after processing and subsequently at 2-week intervals. The L*, a* and b* (HunterLab) parameters were determined to evaluate colour changes due to non-enzymatic browning.Generally, the quality attributes of the sweetened mango juices decreased during storage. The titratable acidity, pH, total solids, ash, soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents decreased during storage. After 12 weeks of storage, the percentage ascorbic acid loss of sweetened Julie and Ogbomoso mango juices was 16.25 and 16.67%, respectively. Browning index, chroma and b* values increased during storage. Colour changes in sweetened mango juices were mainly due to b* value and chroma.     

Carotenoid pigments in acerola fruits (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malpighia emarginata</Emphasis> DC.) and derived products

Carotenoid composition has been investigated in acerola fruits (Malpighia emarginata DC. syn. Malpighia glabra L.) and derived products. In the ripe fruit, four major carotenoids were identified (-carotene, -cryptoxanthin, lutein, and violaxanthin) together with other minor carotenoids (neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, neochrome, luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, -cryptoxanthin-5,6-epoxide, -cryptoxanthin-5,8-epoxide, cis--carotene, and cis-lutein). An average composition for the ripe fruit has been estimated as follows: -carotene (536.55 g/100 g fw), -cryptoxanthin (417.46 g/100 g fw), lutein (99.21 g/100 g fw), violaxanthin (395.33 g/100 g fw), and total minor carotenoids (197.33 g/100 g fw). Vitamin A values are similar to those described in tomatoes and some tropical fruits such as guava and papaya. After juice-making, including a pasteurization stage as thermal processing, decreases in carotenoid content were observed as well as progress of cis-isomers and structural rearrangement of xanthophylls containing 5,6 epoxide groups. The occurrence of such modifications affected the nutritional value of fruits as well as their antioxidant capability, properties that could be used as a measurement of processing quality.     

The effect of blanching on quality attributes of dehydrated carrots during long-term storage

 The effect of blanching on the retention of β-carotene and ascorbic acid, and non-enzymatic browning (NEB) during storage of dehydrated carrot slices was studied. Blanched carrots contained higher β-carotene but lower ascorbic acid than their unblanched counterpart just after drying, whereas NEB was unaffected by blanching. During storage of dehydrated carrots a decrease in β-carotene and ascorbic acid content with an increase in NEB values was observed. Blanching was helpful in limiting the loss of quality parameters irrespective of storage and packaging conditions. Received: 22 May 2000 / Revised version: 11 October 2000     

Carotenoids and color of fruit juice and milk beverage mixtures

ABSTRACT:  Seventeen commercially available, "ready to drink" fortified beverages consisting of mixtures of fruit juices and milk were analyzed to evaluate their carotenoid profile (including their Z / E stereoisomers) and color during their commercial shelf life. Lightness ( L *) was found to be correlated with the content of milk in the mixtures ( r = 0.649) whereas red-yellow colors were correlated with the contents of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene supplied by the fruit. The beverages stored under refrigeration (4 ± 2 °C) showed higher luminosity ( L *) and higher saturation of color ( C *) and yellowness ( b *). Differences ( P < 0.05) in the levels of carotenoids were found among the beverages. Common fruits such as apple, lemon, pear, strawberry, kiwifruit, pineapple, and banana were low in carotenoids. However, orange, apricot, mango, and peach contributed significantly ( P < 0.05) to increasing β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene concentrations. Passion fruit supplied ζ-carotene, and the presence of carrot increased the levels of α-carotene and β-carotene. Conversion of all - E β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin to their Z isomers took place in 8 of the 17 samples containing α-carotene and in 9 of the 13 samples containing β-cryptoxanthin, respectively, which resulted in some loss of provitamin A activity and nutritional value.     

Quality Index, Consumer Acceptability, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh-Cut "Ataulfo" Mangoes (Mangifera Indica L.) as Affected by Low-Temperature Storage

ABSTRACT:  To measure bioactive compound losses due to minimal processing, mature green fresh-cut mangoes ( Mangifera indica L.) cv. "Ataulfo" were subjected to an antioxidant treatment and stored at 5 °C during 15 d. Quality index, total phenols, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidant activity were measured during the storage period of fruits. Antioxidant capacity was estimated using ORAC_FL, TEAC, and DPPH assays. The dipping treatments with ascorbic acid (AA) + citric acid (CA) + CaCl₂ affected positively quality delaying deterioration of fresh-cut mango as compared with whole fruit. However, dipping treatment affected the consumer preferences of fresh-cut mangoes. The highest vitamin C, β-carotene, and vitamin E losses were observed after 10 d, being similar in whole and fresh-cut mangoes. The antioxidant activity was not significantly affected by storage time. We conclude that fresh-cut mangoes retained their bioactive compound content during storage and their antioxidant and nutritional properties make them a good source of these compounds.     

Effects of Acidified Processing and Storage on Proteins and Lipids in Mung Bean Sprouts

Fresh mung bean sprouts contained 5.3g protein/100g fresh weight which decreased slightly on blanching and on bottling and canning. Storage of bottled seedlings for 6 months at 35°C caused the largest loss in total protein. The protein contained the essential amino acids tryptophan, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, lysine and histidine. Total lipids of fresh mung bean sprouts were 350 mg/100g fresh weight and were not greatly affected by blanching nor by canning or bottling. When the bottled seedlings were stored at 10°C and at RT, the canned seedlings at RT, there was some effect on total lipids in that only bottled seedlings at 35°C showed a significant decrease in lipids. After storage at the three temperatures there were increases in glycolipids and decreases in phospholipids, due mainly to increases in monogalactosyldiglyceride and decreases in phosphatidic acid respectively.     

Carotenoid composition from the Brazilian tropical fruit camu–camu (Myrciaria dubia)

Camu–camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a small berry, native to the Amazon, known as a rich source of ascorbic acid. The carotenoid composition of this fruit was determined using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection on C₁₈ and C₃₀ columns. Fruits produced in two different regions of São Paulo State, Iguape and Mirandópolis, were analysed. All-trans-lutein was the major carotenoid in camu–camu fruits from both regions, ranging from 45% to 55% of the total carotenoid content (160.5 ± 93.1 μg/100 g for Iguape and 601.9 ± 75.6 μg/100 g for Mirandópolis fruits), followed by β-carotene, violaxanthin and luteoxanthin. The levels of lutein, β-carotene, violaxanthin, luteoxanthin and other minor carotenoids were significantly higher in the camu–camu produced in Mirandópolis region, most probably due to the higher temperature and light exposure found in this region, in comparison to those from Iguape. Maturation was also an important feature affecting batches from the same region.