ARS | Publication request: CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTHOCYANINS FROM DIVERSE GERMPLASM OF PURPLE CARROT

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 15, 2005
Publication Date: August 8, 2003
Citation: Silva, E., Simon, P.W. 2003. Characterization of anthocyanins from diverse germplasm of purple carrot [abstract]. HortScience. 38:674.

Technical Abstract: Anthocyanins are the brightly-colored, purple, red, and blue pigments found widely in higher plants and are responsible for the typical colors of flowers, fruit, and leaves. Anthocyanins are glycosylated and acylated derivatives of six cyanidins and vary widely among plants. Different additions to the base molecule result in compounds of varying color stability and intensity. Historically, purple color was found in carrot roots and some characterization had been done to confirm that this color was due to anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin glycosides. While variation in tone and intensity of purple color has been noted in diverse carrots, the chemical basis of this variation is unknown. Thus, the identification, quantification, and characterization of these compounds in carrot roots would be useful in a breeding effort in order to select for roots with the most stable and intense purple color. We selected roots from different breeding lines that displayed varying shades of color in a range of intensities. Pigment was extracted using EtOH/HCI and analyzed using gradient RP-HPLC. Anthocyanin profiles of the lines were compared. As anthocyanins are widely applicable as natural food coloring agents and are potent phytonutrients with high antioxidant capacity, better characterization of carrot anthocyanins will be of interest.