Estimation of Lycopene Content in Tomato Varieties and its Products

Lycopene, the predominant carotenoid in tomatoes, exhibits the highest antioxidant activity and singlet oxygen quenching ability of all dietary carotenoids.The present study evaluated the lycopene content of fresh tomatoes, temperature treated and commercial products(Sauce,Ketchup,Puree) procured from Thiruvananthapuram area. Analysis of lycopene carried out using simple spectrophotometric method (Spectrophotometer 169 Systronics) at 503 nm in hexane: acetone: ethanol extract. The study indicated varied quantities of lycopene in tomato samples and these values can be used in commercial preparations. This study also recommends the usage of a tomato product daily to reduce the rate of chronic diseases.