The carotenoid composition of fresh yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) commercialized in Campinas, Brazil, was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography. In all the samples, the following carotenoids were found: beta-cryptoxanthin, prolycopene, cis-zeta-carotene, zeta-carotene, beta-carotene, 13-cis-beta-carotene. Besides that neurosporene and gamma-carotene were also found in some lots. In general, the carotenoid contents were significantly different amongst the lots. In two of the five lots, zeta-carotene was the major carotenoid, contributing with 41 and 62% of the total carotenoid content, while in other two lots beta-carotene was the main carotenoid, with 55 and 74% of the total carotenoid, and in one of the lots cis-zeta-carotene was present as the major carotenoid, with 29%. The inversion occurring between the main carotenoids is not frequently found in fruits and vegetables.
carotenoids; yellow passion fruit; high performance liquid chromatography; Passiflora edulis
