| Abstract: | The major tamarillo (Cyphomandra betaceae) anthocyanin pigments were isolated and identified as pelargonidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside. The intense purple-coloured jelly surrounding the seeds contained the greatest concentration of anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-rutinoside being the major pigment. Flavones, flavonols and leucoanthocyanins were also present in this material. The yellow-coloured flesh contained flavones and low concentration of anthocyanins. The major anthocyanin of the skins is cyanidin-3-rutinoside; flavones and leucoanthocyanins are also present. It is suggested that the presence of leucoanthocyanins in pigment extracts induced degradation of anthocyanins during isolation and purification. |
