The evolution of some nutritional parameters of the tomato fruit during the harvesting stages

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to highlight the nutraceutical value of the tomato fruit for five hybrids recently introduced in culture, during the harvesting phases: mature green, half ripen and full ripen: 'Antalya', 'Cemil', 'Lorely', 'Tiger' and 'Sacher'. They differentiate because of their size and fruit colour. The parameters to be followed for each harvest phase were: the chlorophyll a and b content, the total carotenes, the soluble substance, vitamin C, the titratable acidity, and also a maturity index was established. The results obtained showed significant differences between the hybrids, but also during the maturation phases. It singularised Tiger F1 with a total carotene contentof 7.1 (green) to 12.5 (half ripen) and 18.6 mg/100g f.w. (in full ripen) and Sacher F1 with vitamin C from 6.2 (green) to 17.2 (half ripen) and 20.7 mg/100g f.w. (in full ripen). This variability can be attributed to these harvesting phases, but also to the genetic factors, such as cultivar type, fruit size and colour.

Keywords

• mature green
• half ripen
• full ripen
• vitamin c
• carotene