Carotenoid composition in the fruits of Capsicum annuum cv Szentesi Kosszarvu during ripening

The changes in the carotenoid pigments of Capsicum annuum cv. Szentesi Kosszarvu during maturation have been investigated quantitatively by means of a HPLC technique. In ail of the chromatograms, 56 peaks were detected; 34 carotenoids were identified. In this study, special attention is paid to the formation of minor carotenoids with 3,6-epoxy-beta- (oxabicyclo[2.2.1]) and 3,5,6-trihydroxy-beta-end groups. The possible biosynthetic route and the identity of capsolutein with the cucurbitaxanthin A are described.