The chlorophyllian and carotenoidical pigments content variations in the fresh and dryed leaves of Taraxacum officinale depending on some drying conditions and of the harvesting period

Abstract

The content of the carotenoidic and chlorophyllic pigments in the fresh leaves of Taraxacum officinale in different harvesting periods and in the dryed leaves in different conditions was investigated. The best period for harvesting the leaves is the blooming period, taking account of the greater pigments content. It is better to dry the leaves in the dark and at low temperatures for preserving a greater quantity of the carotenoidic and chlorophyllic pigments. Some carotenoids from the dandelion leaves are found as caroteno-proteic complexes from which they are liberated during the drying period.

Keywords

• Carotenoids
• Taraxacum officinale
• chlorophylls