Content of chalconaringenin and chlorogenic acid in cherry tomatoes is strongly reduced during postharvest ripening.
The contents of chalconaringenin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, ascorbic acid, lycopene, and beta-carotene were analyzed during postharvest and vine ripening of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) (cv. Jennita) produced in a greenhouse. A remarkable decrease in the content of chalconaringenin took place during postharvest ripening. The tomatoes were found to contain 15.26 mg 100 g(-1) fresh weight (FW) at harvest but held only 0.41 mg after 3 weeks at 20 degrees C in darkness. Chalconaringenin did not convert into naringenin. The content of chlorogenic acid fell from 0.51 to 0.06 mg 100 g(-1) FW at the same conditions. The content of rutin and that of total phenolics remained stable during postharvest ripening. The amounts of lycopene as well as beta-carotene and ascorbic acid increased during postharvest ripening. No significant change in the amount of methanol soluble antioxidants or total soluble solids was found during postharvest ripening of the tomato fruits. During vine ripening, the total amount of phenolics and that of soluble solids (% Brix) increased. The content of phenolics correlated well with the content of methanol soluble antioxidants (p < 0.001). The amount of ascorbic acid increased from 9.7 mg in green-yellow tomatoes to 17.1 mg 100 g(-1) FW in red tomatoes. The amount of chalconaringenin decreased to 8.16 mg 100 g(-1) FW, whereas no significant change was observed for chlorogenic acid or rutin. Possible causes for the decrease in chalconaringenin are discussed.
Slimestad
Rune
R
PlantChem and Planteforsk, Saerheim Research Centre, N-4353 Klepp Station, Norway. rune@plantchem.com
Verheul
Michèl J
MJ
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis; D002599:Chalcone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D047188:Chalcones; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D000077276:Lycopene; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis
D047188:Chalcones; D019207:beta Carotene; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid; D002338:Carotenoids; D002599:Chalcone; C027329:naringenin chalcone; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D000077276:Lycopene