Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico

2 Research Center for Food and Development, Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico

3 Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

10.22077/jhpr.2024.7794.1392

Abstract

Purpose: Changes in color, vitamin C, b-carotene, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol were followed during ripening and senescence of mature-green tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Rhapsody) maintained at 22 °C and 85% RH for up to 5 weeks.  Research method: Tomatoes were harvested at the mature-green stage and valuated for color and the content of selected bioactive compounds (β-carotene, lycopene, α- and δ- tocopherols and vitamin C) during simulated retail market conditions (22 °C and 85% RH for 5 weeks). Findings: The tested tomato cultivar had a long postharvest life under the tested conditions, as the fruit maintained in edible conditions during the whole storage period. Vitamin C, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol presented their highest values after about 14 to 18 days after harvest, and b-carotene maintained a maximum content (0.84 mg/100 g) 8 days after harvest. The maximum content of vitamin C, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol were 0.036, 30, 0.27 and 0.0045 mg 100 g-1 of fresh tissue, respectively. Our results indicate that 'Rhapsody' tomatoes harvested at the mature-green stage have shown important levels of vitamin E (tocopherols), C, and carotenoids (lycopene and b-carotene) after 14 to 17 days from harvest. Research limitations: There were no limitations. Originality/Value: This study evaluated the changes in the content of bioactive compounds in long shelf life tomatoes, of great importance for human health, for up to 5 weeks to determine the ideal moment for their consumption.

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