Characterization of some local tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) assortments based on ascorbic acid content

Abstract

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of degenerative diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers). The biochemical components variability in fruits and vegetables is relatively high, due to the many varieties of each species, to the applied technology and not least due to environmental conditions. Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) is known as a rich source of bioactive compounds. Nutraceutical properties of fruits can be correlated with their ascorbic acid content and its capacity to neutralize free radicals responsible for oxidative damage at the cellular level. A nutraceutical˝ can be considered a food product, or a part of a food, which can be represented by isolated nutrients, herbal products, or dietary supplement that can provide health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate differences in nutritional (dry matter, soluble solids content, total mineral content (ash) and total acidity) and bioactive values (ascorbic acid) of tomato genotypes harvested from native populations in Romania from areas with tradition in cultivation of tomatoes (Dolj and Timis counties).