Cis-trans isomerisation of lycopene and colour stability of foam—mat dried tomato powder during storage

Tomato powder with ～3% moisture was obtained by foam-mat drying tomato paste (29% solids). Samples of powder were stored at various temperatures (?10° +2° +20° and +37°c), atmospheres (air, nitrogen) and humidities (with and without in-package desiccation), and colour changes were observed for periods of up to 1 year. The main cause of colour fading was the oxidation of lycopene. However, another phenomenon, trans—cis isomerisation of all-trans lycopene, can occur, with apparent loss of coloration, which is later restored by re-isomerisation. The existence of this mechanism was demonstrated by simultaneous measurements of total liposoluble colour at 420 nm and separations of carotenoid pigments by column chromatography on Al₂O₃. Neo-lycopene A (6-mono-cis-lycopene) and at least one other cis-lycopene isomer were found in fresh powder and in samples stored up to 5 months. cis-Isomers were more susceptible to oxidation. Colour changes depend upon the interplay of isomerisation and oxidation; in some cases, tomato powder was more intensively coloured after storage than when fresh. Storage at +20°c was more favourable for colour retention than storage at +2°c, or — 10°c. Excessive desiccation strongly promoted oxidation losses. Storage in an inert atmosphere improved colour retention. At +37°c non-enzymic browning, accompanied by formation of water, caused rapid darkening although carotenoid pigments were not lost to a great extent.