Formation of certain compounds having technological and nutritional importance in tomato fruits during maturation

In the present study the concentration of soluble solids (Brix degrees), total carbohydrate, total organic acid, lycopene, total polyphenol, hydroxymethylfurfural, and antioxidant capacity were investigated in tomato fruits at six ripening stages from mature green to fully red. In case of Brix degrees and carbohydrate, the highest values were observed at the last stage of ripening. Carbohydrate content constitutes nearly 50% of the soluble solids. In mature green stage the lowest acid content was detected but in subsequent stages it did not change significantly. Polyphenol content remained almost the same during ripening, thus there were not significant differences found among ripening stages. In case of lycopene content, there were great differences among maturity stages. Lycopene accumulated mainly during deep red stage. The antioxidant characteristic of tomato fruit expressed as total antioxidant status (TAS) showed significant linear correlation with lycopene, polyphenol and hydroxymethylfurfural content and increased continuously during ripening period. Marked correlation was observed between lycopene content and formation of hydroxymethylfurfural, as well.