The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant potential of phytochemicals present in 15 commercially important tomato genotypes specifically developed for growing in different geographical regions (high altitude and plain). Antioxidant components of tomatoes, namely lycopene, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, quenching capacity of free radicals, and titratable acidity were analyzed in skin, pulp and seed fractions of the tomato fruits. Results of our study revealed that the antioxidant potency of tomato fruit fractions were in the order of Skin>Pulp>Seeds. Lycopene, anthocyanin content and free radical quenching ability was higher in the high altitude cultivars, whereas total phenolics, ascorbic acid and titratable acidity were seen higher in the plain region cultivars. In general, the outcome of this study showed that, the high altitude cultivars (Sindhu and Shalimar) were superior in antioxidant capacities. In conclusion, with this study it could be established that genetic factors play an important role in determining the antioxidants level and activity of the tomato genotypes and hence it is very important to select the right genotype to get the maximum health benefit.
Practical application: Phytochemicals present in the tomatoes are the major determinants of antioxidant potency of the fruits. To study the effect of genotype, it is necessary to grow the cultivars in ideal condition to assess the antioxidants level and activity, to select the right genotype for human consumption that gives better physiological benefit to the consumer.
© 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®