Carotenoid Content and Profiles of Pumpkin Products and By-Products

Abstract

The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current findings on the major carotenoids and their content in pumpkin products and by-products. The content of total carotenoids and the composition of carotenoids in pumpkins depend mainly on the species and cultivar, pedoclimatic conditions, the part of the plant (pulp, peel or seed), extraction procedures and the type of solvent used for extraction. The major carotenoids identified in pumpkins were β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. β-Carotene is the major carotenoid in most pumpkin species. The number and content of total carotenoids are higher when minor carotenoids and ester forms are considered. The use of carotenoids in the development of functional foods has been the topic of many versatile studies in recent years, as they add significant value to foods associated with numerous health benefits. In view of this, pumpkin and pumpkin by-products can serve as a valuable source of carotenoids.

Effects of Ginger and Garlic Powders on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Fruit Juices during Storage

“…For all juice samples, only positive values were obtained for the color parameter b* (yellow), the highest values were obtained for apple and pumpkin juice, and it was observed that the addition of preservatives decreases the color intensity. The yellow-orange color of pumpkin is due to the presence of carotenoids [ 101 ] such as α and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin [ 102 , 103 ].…”

Metabolomics and Transcription Profiling of Pumpkin Fruit Reveals Enhanced Bioactive Flavonoids and Coumarins in Giant Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima)

“…Pumpkin fruit is a prevalent food in our daily lives. Edible pumpkin with small fruit is favored by consumers due to its abundant nutrients, such as carotenoids, starch, and polysaccharides. ,, The giant pumpkin AG is often used for viewing due to its attractive appearance quality. Currently, the main focus has been on fruit enlargement in giant pumpkins. , Thus far, the accumulated bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, coumarins and others, in giant pumpkin fruit have not been thoroughly studied.…”

“…Edible pumpkin with small fruit is favored by consumers due to its abundant nutrients, such as carotenoids, starch, and polysaccharides. 14,15,34 The giant pumpkin AG is often used for viewing due to its attractive appearance quality. Currently, the main focus has been on fruit enlargement in giant pumpkins.…”

“…Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a common vegetable crop in the Cucurbitaceae family, with a long history of cultivation and rich nutrition. The fruit is the main product organ of pumpkin, and the nutritional components reported in pumpkin fruit focus on pumpkin polysaccharides and carotenoids. , In our daily life, there are a variety of products made from universal pumpkin cultivars, such as fresh pumpkin fruits, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin juice, and pumpkin congee. , The giant pumpkin, Atlantic giant (AG, Cucurbita maxima), is known to have the largest fruit (weight of 1226 kg) in the world, making it a characteristic pumpkin cultivar . Recently, to sell high or achieve the goal of further breaking the world record, cultivating giant pumpkins with larger fruit has attracted many growers’ interests .…”

“…The fruit is the main product organ of pumpkin, and the nutritional components reported in pumpkin fruit focus on pumpkin polysaccharides and carotenoids. 14,15 In our daily life, there are a variety of products made from universal pumpkin cultivars, such as fresh pumpkin fruits, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin juice, and pumpkin congee. 16,17 The giant pumpkin, Atlantic giant (AG, Cucurbita maxima), is known to have the largest fruit (weight of 1226 kg) in the world, 18 making it a characteristic pumpkin cultivar.…”