Carotenoid composition and bioaccessibility of papaya cultivars from Hawaii

Papaya (C. papaya) is a rich source of bioactive compounds. However, fruit bioactive content varies greatly depending on factors such as the variety and growing location. In this study, three yellow-fleshed papaya cultivars (Laie Gold, Rainbow, Kapoho Solo) and two red-fleshed cultivars (Sunset and Sunrise) were harvested from different locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands and analyzed for their mineral and camtenoid content using ICP-MS and HPLC, respectively. Bioaccessibility of camtenoids across papaya cultivars were compared using an in-vitro digestion model. Yellow-fleshed papayas contained two major camtenoids: beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. In addition to these two carotenoids, red-fleshed papayas also contained high lycopene levels. Varietal and geographical differences were evident in both carotenoid content and their bioaccessibility. beta-cryptoxanthin was the main carotenoid among yellow-fleshed cultivars, Laie Gold, Rainbow and Kapoho Solo (242.9-739.5 mu g/100 g), followed by beta-carotene (152.4-331.0 mu g/100 g). The red-fleshed varieties, Sunset and Sunrise, contained 1089.6-1570.4 mu g lycopene /100 g. Papayas (100 g) contained 6% and 8% of the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Cu and Mg, respectively, but less than 3% of the DRI for other minerals. Among yellow-fleshed papayas, total carotenoid bioaccessibility was highest in the Rainbow variety from Kea'au and Kapoho farms on the Island of Hawaii. Bioaccessibility of lycopene from red-fleshed papayas ranged from 1.5-11.4%. Altogether, these findings suggest that not only variety, but also different growing location alter the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in papaya.

Automated summary

This study examined the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in papaya cultivars from different locations, revealing the impact of variety and geographical factors on these compounds.