Quantitative variation of the main carotenoids in Italian tomatoes in relation to geographic locations, harvesting time, varieties and ripening stages

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the carotenoid content of Italian tomatoes is affected by factors such as the geographical area in which the plants are cultivated, harvest time, tomato typology and ripening stage. Three Italian tomato varieties were sampled in different geographical locations throughout Italy in the summer and winter months. Significant differences were found in the lycopene, beta-carotene and phytoene contents as a function of tomato variety with the highest carotenoid levels recorded for cherry tomatoes. In relation to the geographic location the only significant differences were lycopene content in salad tomatoes. The harvesting period influenced carotenoid composition, but a definite seasonal trend was not observed. During the summer the lycopene content was higher in summer-harvested tomatoes than in winter-harvested ones, for both cluster and cherry typologics. In relation to the harvesting season, no significant differences were found for the lycopene content in salad tomatoes, while the beta-carotene content was significantly different. Ripening stage influenced lycopene and carotene levels in all the varieties considered; significant differences in the phytoene values were found in cherry tomatoes. The highest carotenoid levels were recorded in fully ripe cherry tomatoes