Differentiation of several geographical origins in single-strength Valencia orange juices using quantitative comparison of carotenoid profiles

Pure Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis) juices (64 samples) from Spain, Israel, Belize, Cuba, and Florida, harvested during two seasons (1996-1997 and 1997-1998), were analyzed for their carotenoid profiles. The detection of saponified carotenoid pigments has been achieved and quantitated using a photodiode array detection monitored at 350, 430, and 486 nm. Carotenoid pigments commonly found in the orange variety Valencia have been separated on a polymeric C-30 column using a ternary gradient as eluent. Pure Valencia juices from oranges grown in Mediterranean regions (Israel and Spain) have a high carotenoid content, expressed in beta-carotene (5-18 and 14-35 mg L-1, respectively), compared to those grown in tropical and subtropical regions (Cuba, Belize, and Florida) (4-10, 2-8, and 5-10 mg L-1, respectively). Quantitative results allowed the differentiation of Valencia variety geographical origins, in particular, the Mediterranean area from tropical and subtropical areas, using multidimensional analyses of carotenoid contents.