Nutritional characteristics of greenhouse cherry tomatoes

A. Raffo, M. Salucci, E. Azzini, A. Bertone, G.B. Quaglia, V. Fogliano, G. Graziani, G. La Malfa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cherry tomatoes are characterized by relatively high levels of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, and high antioxidant ability; in Sicily they are produced in cold greenhouses within production cycles that cover all the year. Considering this we have investigated the changes of some compositional parameters (sugars, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity) associated to the nutritional value and to the health-related properties of fruits harvested in Sicily at different times of the year. Sampled fruits had particularly high levels of sugars, ascorbic acid and carotenoids, which, on the other hand, had a considerable variability; in spite of this variability of ascorbic acid and carotenoid content, one serving of raw tomatoes (100 g) can provide a relevant amount of vitamin C and A (respectively, 50÷120% and 12÷25% of the recommended daily intake) and lycopene (7060÷11970 μg/100g) throughout the year. The content of main phenolic compounds (particularly the flavonoids rutin and naringenin) evidenced the highest variability among tomato antioxidants. None of the parameters had a significant relationship with mean solar radiation measured during the ripening period of the fruits.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVI International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climate
Subtitle of host publicationPoduct and Process Innovation
PublisherISHS
Pages681-686
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9789066053007
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2003
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume614
ISSN (Print)0567-7572

Keywords

  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Carotenoids
  • Cold greenhouse
  • Compounds
  • Lycopersicon esculentum
  • Phenolic
  • Seasonal trend

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